July 12, 2025

Teenagers Charged in Rock Hill Murder of Jy Querious Catoe

News Summary

A 19-year-old and a 16-year-old have been charged with murder following the shooting of Jy Querious Catoe outside a convenience store in Rock Hill. The primary suspect, A’montae Kevion Markise White, has turned himself in and is facing multiple charges. Surveillance footage shows a brutal attack, raising concerns about youth violence in the community as debates on addressing this issue continue.

Rock Hill – A 19-year-old and a 16-year-old have been charged in connection with the murder of Jy Querious Catoe, who was shot outside a convenience store in Rock Hill on Monday night. The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. at Adams Grocery, where disturbing video footage captured the suspects deliberately firing weapons at Catoe while he sat in the passenger seat of a car.

The primary suspect, A’montae Kevion Markise White, turned himself in to law enforcement authorities on Thursday. He and the unidentified 16-year-old face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses. The court has denied bail for White, who will be transferred to the York County jail while awaiting trial. A murder conviction in South Carolina can result in a prison sentence ranging from 30 years to life.

The video surveillance footage reveals the brutal nature of the attack, as Catoe was shot at least twice in the head. The second victim, whose identity has not been made public, attempted to enter the vehicle during the shooting but was also endangered by the assault. The shocking actions captured on tape have been described by Detective Dustin Ochiltree as “shocking,” emphasizing that the teenagers’ behavior seemed “deliberate, calculated, and merciless.”

While White has expressed an intention to hire a private defense attorney, the 16-year-old suspect remains in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. It has yet to be determined whether prosecutors will seek to charge the minor as an adult. The teenager has not made an appearance in York County Family Court as of this report.

The shooting death of Catoe, which occurred just one day after the incident, highlights a troubling trend of youth violence in Rock Hill. Family members of Catoe were present in court but chose not to comment on the proceedings. The recent spike in violent crime in the area includes a separate incident from June 27, involving a 17-year-old, ZyDerec Massey, who was killed due to stray gunfire during a brawl, further underscoring the community’s concerns about safety.

It is illegal for individuals under 18 years of age to possess handguns in South Carolina, raising serious questions about how these minors were able to acquire firearms. The police have not clarified the relationship between the suspects and the victims, leaving many in the community wondering about the underlying causes of such an egregious act.

The incident has sparked discussions about how to address the alarming rise of violence among young people in Rock Hill. Residents and local officials alike are seeking solutions to curb this trend and ensure the safety of the community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on seeking justice for Catoe and our neighborhood’s need for intervention against escalating youth violence.