News Summary
A tragic incident occurred in Rock Hill, S.C., where 14-year-old Braylen Jackson was shot and killed by a 15-year-old suspect mishandling a stolen firearm. The incident has left the community in shock, with school officials and family mourning the loss. The suspect has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and remains in juvenile custody. Support services have been offered to students at Rock Hill High School as investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Rock Hill, S.C. – Braylen Jackson, a 14-year-old freshman at Rock Hill High School, was tragically shot and killed on September 25, 2025. The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. at an apartment on Springsteen Road, where a 15-year-old suspect reportedly mishandled a stolen gun, leading to the fatal shooting.
According to officials, both Braylen and the suspect were inside the apartment when the shooting took place. The gun used in the incident was stolen from a vehicle. Witnesses indicated that the 15-year-old was manipulating and mishandling the firearm when it accidentally discharged, resulting in Braylen being struck by a single gunshot wound. Emergency responders arrived but unfortunately pronounced Braylen dead at the scene.
Following the incident, the 15-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. He is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The police continue to investigate the shooting.
Rock Hill Schools confirmed that Braylen Jackson was a student at Rock Hill High School and expressed their deep sorrow in a statement. The school district emphasized its commitment to supporting students and families going through this difficult time. To aid in this effort, counselors and trained mental health professionals have been made available to students at Rock Hill High School.
Braylen’s family described the event as an unexpected tragedy. His older sister mentioned that the incident has devastated their family. They have set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover approximately $12,000 in funeral expenses. Tania Jackson, Braylen’s sister, shared memories of him as a cheerful person who was just beginning high school and finding his place among classmates.
Interim Principal Buddy King addressed the school community, expressing profound sadness about the loss they have experienced. The community mourns Braylen’s passing as the investigation into the shooting continues, leaving many to grapple with the implications of such a tragic event.
Details of the Incident
- Date of Incident: September 25, 2025
- Location: An apartment on Springsteen Road, Rock Hill, S.C.
- Victim: Braylen Jackson, 14-year-old freshman
- Suspect: 15-year-old, not named in reports
- Charges: Involuntary manslaughter
Community Response
The Rock Hill community is coming together to support Braylen’s family, with many offering condolences and assistance during this difficult time. The availability of mental health resources at the high school reflects an understanding of the emotional toll such incidents can have on students and staff alike.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with local law enforcement examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The focus is on understanding how the firearm was obtained and the factors that led to the tragic event.
FAQ
What happened to Braylen Jackson?
Braylen Jackson was tragically shot and killed on September 25, 2025, in an apartment in Rock Hill, S.C.
Who is the suspect in the shooting?
The suspect is a 15-year-old who was inside the apartment with Braylen and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Was the gun used in the shooting legally owned?
No, the gun was stolen from a vehicle prior to the incident.
What has the school done in response to the shooting?
Rock Hill Schools have made counselors and mental health professionals available to students following the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 25, 2025 |
| Victim | Braylen Jackson, 14 years old |
| Suspect | 15 years old, charged with involuntary manslaughter |
| Location | Apartment on Springsteen Road, Rock Hill, S.C. |
| Gun Status | Stolen from a vehicle |
| School Response | Counselors and mental health professionals available |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: High School Student Killed with Stolen Gun in Rock Hill
- Google Search: Rock Hill shooting September 2025
- WCNC: Grieving Rock Hill Family Remembers 14-Year-Old
- Wikipedia: Firearm Violence
- WSOC TV: 14-Year-Old Killed in Accidental Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- QC News: Rock Hill Teen Charged with Manslaughter
- 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.
