Rock Hill, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In a heartbreaking incident at Pepper Ridge Apartments, 14-year-old Braylen Jackson was fatally shot by a 15-year-old friend mishandling a stolen handgun. Authorities confirmed that the shooting was not accidental, as initial claims suggested. The suspect faces serious charges including involuntary manslaughter. Braylen’s family is devastated and questioning the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, while the Rock Hill community begins to grapple with the implications of gun violence.
Rock Hill, SC – Fourteen-year-old Braylen Jackson was shot and killed during a tragic incident at the Pepper Ridge Apartments on September 25, 2025. This devastating event unfolded around 1 p.m. when a 15-year-old friend of Braylen allegedly mishandled a stolen handgun, resulting in Braylen being shot in the face.
The suspect initially claimed that Braylen accidentally shot himself; however, evidence and a witness account contradicted this assertion. It was revealed that the suspect had gained access to a Glock pistol after entering an unlocked vehicle earlier that day. Prosecutors noted that the suspect had been pulling out and reinserting the magazine of the firearm shortly before the fatal shot was discharged.
Authorities pronounced Braylen dead at the scene. Family members expressed outrage over the incident, questioning how anyone could point a gun at a friend. In response to the shooting, the suspect has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen gun, and possession of a handgun by someone under 18 years of age.
A probable cause hearing took place on October 1, presided over by Judge R. Chadwick Smith, who denied bail for the teen suspect. The defense argued that the suspect should be allowed bail under conditions such as house arrest, citing that he posed no consistent danger to the community.
Braylen’s family had previously cautioned him to avoid the suspect due to past behavior. He is survived by a loving family, including his mother, siblings, and grandmother, Valeria Johnson, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting.
A funeral service for Braylen is scheduled for 3 p.m. on October 4, 2025, at Brown’s Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Chester. The Rock Hill Schools community has expressed condolences and announced that counseling services will be available for students affected by this tragedy, which has ignited discussions about the implications of gun violence on the local community.
The incident underscores a growing concern regarding gun safety and youth involvement in gun-related incidents, raising important conversations within Rock Hill about the urgent need for prevention measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Braylen Jackson?
Braylen Jackson, 14, was shot and killed at the Pepper Ridge Apartments in Rock Hill, SC, on September 25, 2025.
Who was responsible for the shooting?
The shooting occurred when another teen, aged 15, allegedly mishandled a stolen handgun and shot Braylen in the face.
What were the charges brought against the suspect?
The suspect was charged with involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen gun, and possession of a handgun by someone under 18.
What actions were taken following the incident?
A probable cause hearing took place on October 1, led by Judge R. Chadwick Smith, who denied bail for the teen suspect.
What is the community response to Braylen’s death?
Rock Hill Schools expressed condolences and announced that counseling services would be available for students affected by the tragedy. The incident has sparked discussions about gun violence and its impact on the Rock Hill community.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | Pepper Ridge Apartments, Rock Hill, SC |
| Victim’s Age | 14 years old |
| Suspect’s Age | 15 years old |
| Charges Against Suspect | Involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen gun, possession of a handgun by someone under 18 |
| Probable Cause Hearing Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Funeral Service Date | October 4, 2025, at 3 p.m. |
| Community Support | Counseling services offered by Rock Hill Schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Police Incident Leads to Road Closure in Columbia Borough
Charlotte Mourns the Loss of 16-Year-Old Student
South Pointe High School Goes into Secure Lockdown
Turning Point USA Event Honors Charlie Kirk Amid Political Turbulence
Elon Musk Calls for Netflix Boycott Over Animated Series Controversy
Lancaster County Circuit Court Addresses Multiple Cases
Serious Motorcycle Crash in Southeast Lancaster County
Tragic Homicide in York City Following Fatal Shooting
Tragic Mass Shooting in Southport Claims Three Lives
Tragic Motorcycle Collision in Rock Hill, York County
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Teen Shot in Rock Hill
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WCNC: Grieving Rock Hill Family Remembers 14-Year-Old
- Google Search: Gun Safety for Teens
- WBTV: High School Student Killed with Stolen Gun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- WSOC TV: 15-Year-Old Boy Remains in Custody
- 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.
