Teens Charged in Deadly Fort Mill Park Shooting of Chester Man
FORT MILL, S.C. — Police have charged two teenagers, including a 13-year-old, in the shooting death of a 21-year-old Chester man at a Fort Mill park, a case that has stunned both York and Chester counties.
Arrests Announced
Fort Mill Police confirmed the arrests of 18-year-old Jalen Daquavious Thames of Rock Hill and a 13-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age. Both were taken into custody on Tuesday, more than a week after the killing of Johnny Wayne Martin Cook at Steele Street Park on August 28, 2025.
The teens now face a long list of charges, including:
- Murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Armed robbery
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a stolen firearm
Details of the Shooting
Officers were called to Steele Street Park after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Cook suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts from first responders, Cook was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack or the sequence of events that led to the confrontation. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to determine whether the shooting was connected to prior disputes or a robbery attempt.
Community Shock
The case has sparked concern across Fort Mill and Chester, with residents expressing disbelief over the young ages of the suspects.
Parents have voiced fears about youth violence in the community, particularly after learning that one of the accused is just 13 years old. Community leaders are now calling for stronger interventions for at-risk teens, pointing to the combination of firearms, peer pressure, and lack of resources as dangerous factors leading to tragedies like this.
Family and Victim Support
Cook’s family is now left mourning the loss of a young man described as loving and full of potential. WCNC Charlotte has launched its More Than A Number initiative, offering families the chance to share memories, photos, and tributes so victims like Cook are remembered beyond the headlines.
What Happens Next
Both suspects remain in custody while awaiting further court proceedings. If convicted, Thames could face life in prison, while the juvenile’s case will depend on whether prosecutors move to try him as an adult under South Carolina law.
Fort Mill Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department at 803-548-9368 or Crime Stoppers of York County at 877-409-4321.
Do you think South Carolina courts should try a 13-year-old as an adult in cases of violent crime, or should age remain a deciding factor in sentencing? Share your opinion with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
