Fort Mill, SC, September 10, 2025
News Summary
In Fort Mill, SC, two teenagers have been arrested for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook at Steele Street Park. The suspects, an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old, face charges including murder, armed robbery, and possession of a stolen firearm. This incident has alarmed the community, prompting police to seek further information from the public. Additionally, there are ongoing investigations into other fatal shootings in York County, raising concerns about safety in the area.
Fort Mill Police Arrest Teens in Connection with Deadly Shooting of 21-Year-Old at Steele Street Park
Fort Mill, SC – Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook, who was found dead at Steele Street Park over a week ago. The suspects have been identified as 18-year-old Jalen Daquavious Thames from Rock Hill and a 13-year-old, both facing serious charges following the tragic incident.
Authorities have charged both suspects with multiple offenses, including murder, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen firearm. The police responded to reports of the shooting on August 28, 2025, where they discovered Cook suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting continues, with Fort Mill Police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward, as they seek to ensure that justice is served. The case is particularly concerning due to the involvement of young suspects and the violent nature of the crime.
Ongoing Investigations in York County
In addition to the Cook case, South Carolina deputies are also probing two separate fatal shootings in York County that occurred over the same weekend. In one of these incidents, 23-year-old Kendale Richardson Williams was found shot dead in the parking lot of a Motel 6 in Fort Mill early Sunday morning. No arrests have been made in this case and detectives are actively pursuing leads to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
This shooting took place in a commercial area near Carowinds Boulevard, an area that has previously been a hotspot for violent crime, raising concerns among local residents about safety and security.
In another incident, 19-year-old Noah Immanuel Walter was arrested for the murder of 16-year-old Nathan Antonio Martinez in the Paddlers Cove subdivision. Martinez was a rising junior at Clover High School and was enrolled in career classes within the Clover school district. Walter faces multiple charges including murder and weapon charges and remains in custody without bail following an initial court appearance.
Additional Violent Incidents
The string of violence continues with a recent shooting incident at a Circle K store in Fort Mill, resulting in the death of a man named Linster Rasberry. The suspect, 46-year-old Duan Partlow, was arrested shortly after the incident. Partlow is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, which followed an argument between the suspect and the victim.
Conclusion
The violent crime rate in Fort Mill and surrounding areas has raised alarms among residents and local authorities as multiple shootings have resulted in fatalities. Community leaders are calling for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to help combat this troubling trend and to keep communities safe. As the investigations into these incidents continue, local law enforcement remains dedicated to seeking answers and pursuing justice for the victims and their families.
FAQ
What happened at Steele Street Park?
21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook was shot and killed at Steele Street Park on August 28, 2025. Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with his death.
Who are the suspects in the shooting?
The suspects include 18-year-old Jalen Daquavious Thames from Rock Hill and a 13-year-old. They both face multiple charges related to the incident.
Are there any other recent shootings in Fort Mill?
Yes, there have been other shootings in the Fort Mill area, including the murders of Kendale Richardson Williams and Nathan Antonio Martinez, among others.
Key Features of Recent Shootings
| Incident | Date | Victim | Suspect | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shooting at Steele Street Park | August 28, 2025 | Johnny Wayne Martin Cook | Jalen Daquavious Thames, 13-year-old | Murder, armed robbery, etc. |
| Motel 6 Shooting | TBD | Kendale Richardson Williams | Unknown | Under investigation |
| Paddlers Cove Shooting | TBD | Nathan Antonio Martinez | Noah Immanuel Walter | Murder, weapon charges |
| Circle K Shooting | TBD | Linster Rasberry | Duan Partlow | Murder, possession of a weapon |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Homicide Investigation at Steele Street Park
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Herald Online: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Fort Mill shootings
- WBTV: Fort Mill Shooting Behind Gas Station
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime Fort Mill
- WCCB Charlotte: Arrest in Carowinds Gas Station Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence in the USA
- WBTV: Arrest in Shooting Behind Fort Mill Gas Station
- Google News: York County shootings
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
