Rock Hill, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Tragedy struck Rock Hill when 14-year-old Braylen Jackson was shot and killed by a bullet from a stolen gun while in an apartment. The incident, which occurred at the Pepper Ridge Apartments, involved a 15-year-old who mishandled the firearm. The young suspect has been arrested and faces several charges, igniting discussions about gun safety and youth access to firearms. Rock Hill Schools are providing counseling services to support the community during this difficult time.
Rock Hill
A 14-year-old high school student, Braylen Jackson, was shot and killed after being struck by a bullet from a stolen gun at a York County apartment. The tragic incident took place on September 25, 2025, just before 1 p.m. at the Pepper Ridge Apartments located on Springsteen Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
According to local police, the firearm used in the shooting was stolen by a 15-year-old from a vehicle. Reports indicate that the 15-year-old and Jackson were inside the apartment together when the 15-year-old was reportedly “manipulating and mishandling” the gun. This mishandling led to a fatal shot being fired, striking Jackson.
Authorities arrested the 15-year-old on-site after Jackson sustained his injuries. The young suspect has since been charged with several offenses, including involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen handgun, and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.
Braylen Jackson was a student at Rock Hill High School. In light of the tragedy, Rock Hill Schools expressed their sorrow in a statement, emphasizing their dedication to valuing every child in the community. Counseling services have been made available to assist students and faculty as they cope with the loss. The principal of Rock Hill High School characterized Jackson’s death as “a profound loss” for the community.
In light of the incident, trained mental health professionals and support teams have been organized to provide assistance to other students at the school. The Department of Juvenile Justice has taken custody of the 15-year-old suspect following the charges made against him.
When officers arrived at the scene after receiving a report about the shooting, they found Jackson with a single gunshot wound. Tragically, Jackson did not survive the injury inflicted by the gunshot, prompting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s mishandling.
Additional Context
This case has raised concerns about gun safety and the involvement of minors with firearms, given that the weapon involved was stolen and improperly handled. The event underscores ongoing discussions regarding firearm access among youth and the implications of such tragedies on community safety. This incident has spurred further discussions among community members about safeguarding children and educating them about the dangers associated with guns.
FAQs
What happened to Braylen Jackson?
A 14-year-old high school student, Braylen Jackson, died after being shot with a stolen gun at a York County apartment on September 25, 2025.
Who was responsible for the shooting?
A 15-year-old was arrested after the incident and charged with involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen handgun, and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.
What support is being offered to students affected by the tragedy?
Rock Hill Schools has made counseling services available to students and faculty in response to the tragedy.
Where did the incident occur?
The shooting occurred at the Pepper Ridge Apartments on Springsteen Road in Rock Hill, S.C.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Braylen Jackson |
| Victim Age | 14 years old |
| Incident Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | Pepper Ridge Apartments, Springsteen Road, Rock Hill, S.C. |
| Suspect Age | 15 years old |
| Charges Against Suspect | Involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen handgun, possession of a handgun by a person under 18 |
| School | Rock Hill High School |
| Community Response | Counseling services offered to students |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: High School Student Killed with Stolen Gun
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Herald Online: Local Crime Article
- Google Search: Gun Safety Measures
- QC News: Teen Charged with Manslaughter
- Google Scholar: Juvenile Firearm Laws
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Police Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- WBTV: Handgun Used in Rock Hill Shooting
- Google News: Rock Hill Shooting
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.
