Fort Mill, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Fort Mill police have arrested two teenagers, including a 13-year-old, linked to the homicide of a 21-year-old man in Steele Street Park. The suspects face several serious charges, including murder and armed robbery, following the tragic shooting that occurred during a robbery attempt. The 13-year-old is in juvenile custody while the 18-year-old is charged as an adult. Investigations are ongoing as authorities urge the community to assist with any information.
Fort Mill police have arrested two teenage suspects, including a 13-year-old, in connection with the homicide of a 21-year-old man that occurred on August 28, 2025. The suspects are identified as 18-year-old Jalen Daquavious Thames from Rock Hill and an unnamed 13-year-old male, whose identity is withheld due to his age. The arrests follow a shooting incident at Steele Street Park around 10:30 p.m. on the night of the crime.
Authorities were dispatched to the park after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Johnny Wayne Martin Cook suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the officers’ attempts to assist him, Cook was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the incident, police stated that there was no known threat to the surrounding community. Thames and the 13-year-old face several serious charges, including murder, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The investigation revealed that Thames had provided a handgun to the 13-year-old and had set up a meeting with Cook with the intention of stealing a different gun from him. During this planned robbery, the 13-year-old allegedly shot Cook several times, leading to the tragic outcome.
Currently, the 13-year-old is in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, awaiting a first appearance in Family Court. Thames, meanwhile, is being held at the York County jail, waiting for his first court appearance after being charged as an adult.
In South Carolina, a conviction for murder typically carries a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in prison. The police department in Fort Mill is actively continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cook’s death. They encourage anyone with information related to the case to reach out to them at 803-548-9368 or contact Crime Stoppers of York County at 877-409-4321.
Case Background
The incident took place in a public park in the Fort Mill area, a location that had been perceived as safe prior to the event. The tragic shooting raises awareness about the alarming trend of youth involvement in violent crimes. Police are focusing on gathering all relevant evidence and witness accounts to ensure justice is served.
Charges Against the Suspects
- Jalen Daquavious Thames (18 years old): Charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen firearm.
- Unnamed 13-year-old male: Charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Next Steps for Law Enforcement
As authorities continue to probe deeper into the events leading to the tragic incident, they are meticulously piecing together evidence, gathering witness statements, and evaluating all potential leads. Community safety remains a top priority, and any additional information that can assist in the ongoing investigation would be greatly beneficial.
Community Guidelines for Reporting
The Fort Mill Police Department has reiterated the importance of community vigilance and encourages residents to report any suspicious activities or information related to violent crimes, aiming for a collaborative effort in ensuring the safety and security of local citizens.
FAQ Section
What happened in Steele Street Park on August 28, 2025?
Two teenagers were arrested for the homicide of a 21-year-old man, Johnny Wayne Martin Cook, following a reported shooting incident.
Who are the suspects?
The suspects are 18-year-old Jalen Daquavious Thames and an unnamed 13-year-old male. Thames is charged as an adult.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
Both suspects face multiple charges, including murder, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
What is the current status of the suspects?
The 13-year-old is in custody of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, while Thames is held in York County jail, awaiting court appearances.
Key Features of the Incident
- Date: August 28, 2025
- Location: Steele Street Park, Fort Mill
- Victim: Johnny Wayne Martin Cook (21 years old)
- Suspects: Jalen Daquavious Thames (18) and a 13-year-old male
- Charges: Murder, armed robbery, and other felonies
- Status: Suspects in custody; investigation ongoing
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Additional Resources
- WCNC News
- Wikipedia: Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Fort Mill shooting August 2025
- Charlotte Observer
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