A memorial set up by friends and family in honor of the tragic loss of a local high school student.
In a heart-wrenching moment for Greenville, a 22-year-old man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the tragic murder of 17-year-old Elijah “EJ” Smith. The incident occurred during a robbery attempt in Simpsonville, leaving the community in mourning. EJ, a promising student and basketball player, was remembered fondly by friends and family. As his loved ones and community seek solace, the event serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violence in society.
In a solemn moment for the community of Greenville, a 22-year-old man has received a 40-year prison sentence following the tragic murder of a beloved 17-year-old student named Elijah “EJ” Smith. This heart-wrenching incident unfolded on a fateful evening, October 24, 2021, in the parking lot of Tipsy Taco on Fairview Road in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Elijah Smith, known affectionately by his friends and family as EJ, was a senior and passionate basketball player at Hillcrest High School. Full of life and ambition, he had plans for a bright future ahead of him. On the night of the incident, EJ was sitting unarmed in his parked car when an unfortunate series of events led to his untimely demise. The chaos erupted when Sagin Riley Willasch, the man ultimately found guilty in EJ’s killing, attempted to commit a robbery against another individual.
In a shocking twist, Willasch, while trying to rob another person, fired the shot that took EJ’s life. It’s hard to comprehend how a young man, simply sitting in his car, could become a victim in such a senseless act of violence. Following the shooting, law enforcement quickly apprehended Willasch, who was already grappling with a troubled past. Not only was he on parole for an explosives charge from August 2020 at the time of the incident, but he had also faced an attempted murder charge previously, which was later dismissed.
As the news of EJ’s tragic death spread through the community, a wave of grief washed over both friends and family. At Hillcrest High School, an outpouring of love was witnessed in the form of prayer vigils and memorials organized in EJ’s honor. His absence was profoundly felt amongst classmates who remembered him as a bright young man with a contagious smile. Students and staff alike came together, illuminating the campus with candles, sharing fond memories, and reflecting on the life of a young individual who had so much more to offer the world.
On April 10, 2025, Willasch entered a guilty plea to charges of murder and attempted armed robbery. With Judge G.D. Morgan Jr. presiding, the court found it fitting to impose a stringent sentence of 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision means that Willasch will be required to serve the entirety of his sentence, a measure that reflects the serious nature of his actions and the senseless destruction they caused.
In addition to being a promising athlete, EJ was well-loved at his part-time job at King Tut Grill. His coworkers painted a heartwarming picture of a young man who always brought joy to those around him, embodying positivity in his daily interactions. Restaurant owner Warner Bouzek expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a vibrant individual, calling the circumstances surrounding EJ’s passing nothing short of tragic.
As Greenville copes with this heavy loss, the story of EJ Smith serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence on communities. It’s a call for all of us to cherish our loved ones and strive for a safer, more compassionate society. While EJ’s life was cut tragically short, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, inspiring hope and unity in the face of adversity.
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