Greenville Man Sentenced for the Murder of Local Teen

News Summary

Sagin Riley Willasch has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the tragic murder of 17-year-old Elijah ‘EJ’ Smith in September 2021. The shooting occurred during an attempted robbery outside a taco restaurant, leaving the Greenville community devastated. EJ was well-loved and known for his positive spirit, and his untimely death has sparked grief and calls for change within the community. With Willasch receiving a lengthy sentence, the community continues to honor EJ’s memory and advocate for an end to gun violence.

Greenville Man Sentenced for the Tragic Murder of Local Teen

In a poignant turn of events that has left the Greenville community reeling, Sagin Riley Willasch, a 22-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to the murder of Hillcrest High School senior Elijah “EJ” Smith. The hearing took place last Thursday, bringing some closure to a heartbreaking incident that took place in 2021.

A Night Full of Heartbreak

The tragic shooting unfolded on a fateful night in September 2021, when 17-year-old EJ Smith was simply parked in his car outside Tipsy Taco on Fairview Road in Simpsonville. He was unarmed and never posed a threat, yet he faced an unimaginable fate when Willasch attempted to rob someone nearby. Amidst the chaos of that robbery attempt, Willasch fired a shot that ended up fatally striking Smith.

EJ Smith was not just another high school student; he was a beloved member of his community. Known for his infectious smile and positive spirit, he was actively engaged in school as a senior and a dedicated basketball player. The loss of such a shining star was profoundly felt throughout the community, igniting a wave of mourning.

Community Response

Smith’s tragic death touched the hearts of many, leading to prayer vigils and memorials established at Hillcrest High School in his honor. Those who knew Smith, including his coworkers at King Tut Grill, remembered him as a bright light in their lives. The owner of the restaurant described him as “always a happy kid, great to be around,” emphasizing the incredible impact he had on those around him.

As the community grieved, Tipsy Taco, the location where the incident occurred, chose to remain closed for a period to respect Smith and his family while they processed this heartbreaking event. The restaurant wanted to show their condolences in a tangible way and stand in solidarity with the grieving community.

The Legal Fallout

Following the shooting, the Simpsonville Police quickly reported the incident, arriving on the scene around 10 PM. Unfortunately, Smith succumbed to his injuries, dying at the hospital early the next morning. The coroner ruled his death a homicide, with a gunshot wound being the cause.

Willasch faced serious charges, including murder, attempted armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Following his arrest, he was held without bond at the Greenville County Detention Center, where he spent the intervening months awaiting his trial.

Sentencing and Implications

Ultimately, Willasch was sentenced to a hefty 40 years in prison, a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crime he committed. He will not be eligible for parole, ensuring that he will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars for the devastating loss he inflicted onto EJ Smith and his community.

This sobering case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on our streets and the lives of individuals and their families. The Greenville community wants to hold onto the memories of EJ Smith while advocating for change, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. As they heal, the community continues to rally together, honoring a young life that was taken far too soon and vowing to keep his spirit alive through love and remembrance.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina: Greenville Man Admits to Killing Hillcrest High Student
• WSPA: Investigation into Simpsonville Shooting That Left Teenager Dead
• WYFF4: Greenville County Schools Hillcrest High Fatal Shooting Conviction
• Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence