Fort Mill, S.C., September 25, 2025
News Summary
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook during a shooting at Steele Street Park. York County prosecutors aim to try the boy as an adult, potentially making him the youngest defendant in York County history to face such serious charges. The shooting marks Fort Mill’s first homicide in several years, with significant implications for the handling of juvenile offenders in the legal system.
Fort Mill, S.C. – A 13-year-old boy has been accused of murdering 21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook in a shooting incident at Steele Street Park on August 28, 2025. York County prosecutors are seeking to have the boy tried as an adult, which would make him the youngest defendant in York County history to face such charges.
This tragic event is notable for marking the first homicide in Fort Mill in several years, a town that typically experiences minimal violent crime. The 13-year-old was arrested two weeks before his first appearance in York County Family Court, where he faces several serious charges including murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and firearms violations.
Key to the prosecution’s case is the implication made by 18-year-old co-defendant Jalen Daquavious Thames, who has stated that the younger boy fired the shots during a robbery that resulted in Cook’s death. Cook was shot multiple times, and the assailants took his gun during the altercation. Initially, Thames provided misleading information to police regarding his whereabouts but later acknowledged his involvement alongside the accused. Surveillance footage confirms that both defendants were seen with Cook at a nearby QT store just before the incident.
Thames’s defense attorney claims that Thames’s testimony is self-serving and merely attempts to shift blame onto the younger defendant. Authorities have yet to recover the weapon used in Cook’s murder, as Thames indicated that another teenager took the firearm after the shooting.
Despite the serious charges, the defense attorney for the 13-year-old argues that there is insufficient evidence to conclusively prove that the young boy fired the fatal shots. Following a recent court hearing, Judge Sammy Diamaduros ruled that there was probable cause to charge the 13-year-old with murder, noting that the charges remain allegations at this stage.
Additionally, competency evaluations for the 13-year-old are pending and may take several months to complete before any further proceedings can occur. Should he be convicted as an adult, the minimum sentence for murder would be 30 years, compared to a maximum of 22 years in juvenile court.
In recent years, York County has seen three boys aged 14 and 15 face adult court for murder, but the case involving the 13-year-old sets an unprecedented precedent regarding age. Both defendants are currently in custody, with Thames held in jail on murder and other charges. As of now, no trial date has been established for Thames, and court records do not list a defense attorney for him.
The families of both the victim and the accused were present during court proceedings but refrained from commenting on the situation.
FAQ
What is the crime the 13-year-old boy is accused of?
The 13-year-old boy is accused of shooting 21-year-old Johnny Wayne Martin Cook to death in Fort Mill, S.C.
What charges is the 13-year-old facing?
The boy faces charges including murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and weapons charges.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on August 28, 2025.
What action do prosecutors want to take regarding the 13-year-old?
Prosecutors want the boy to be tried as an adult.
What would make this case unprecedented in York County?
This case would make the 13-year-old the youngest defendant in York County history to face adult charges.
What has been established in terms of evidence against the defendants?
Video evidence shows both defendants were with Cook at a nearby QT store shortly before the shooting.
What are the potential outcomes if the boy is convicted as an adult?
If convicted as an adult, the minimum sentence for murder would be 30 years, versus a maximum of 22 years in juvenile court.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant Age | 13 years old |
| Charges | Murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and weapons charges |
| Incident Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Co-defendant Age | 18 years old |
| Prosecution’s Goal | To try the 13-year-old as an adult |
| Potential Sentence if Convicted | Minimum 30 years as adult, maximum 22 years in juvenile court |
| Recent Similar Cases | Three boys aged 14 and 15 faced adult court for murder in recent years |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Fort Mill Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- WCNC: Fort Mill Park Shooting Arrest
- Google Search: Fort Mill Shooting 2025
- WSOC TV: Deadly Shooting at Fort Mill Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Post and Courier: Two Teens Charged in Fort Mill Murder
- Google News: York County Shooting
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