Greenville Teen Charged in Fatal Tanglewood Shooting to Appear in Court for Arraignment

Greenville – The 14-year-old suspect arrested in the tragic shooting incident at Tanglewood Middle School is set to appear in court today for his arraignment hearing. Jordan Williams, who was just 12 years old at the time of the incident, will face the judge at 2:30 p.m. in Greenville County Circuit Court to learn about the charges filed against him.

Arraignment Hearing Details

This arraignment marks Williams’ first appearance in a general session since being transferred to adult court earlier this year. Family Court Judge Jessica A. Salvini made the decision to waive Williams to adult court in March, citing the severity and premeditation of the crime.

Judge Perry H. Gravely Presiding

During the arraignment, Judge Perry H. Gravely will oversee the proceedings as Williams faces the charges related to the shooting incident that resulted in the death of fellow Tanglewood student, Jamari Cortez Bonaparte-Jackson. The incident, which occurred in March 2022, sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a wave of concern regarding school safety.

Legal Proceedings

Following Judge Salvini’s decision to transfer Williams to adult court, 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins indicated that the case would be presented to a grand jury for the charge of murder. Wilkins stated that if the grand jury returns a murder indictment, the solicitor’s office will proceed with that charge. However, he noted that the office retains the discretion to consider other charges in formulating a sentence for the defendant.

Upcoming Grand Jury Indictment

“We will present this case to a grand jury for the charge of murder and if they come back with a murder indictment, that’s what we will go forward with. However, it is the solicitor’s office discretion to formulate a sentence using other charges that are available,” said Wilkins.

Community Response

The Tanglewood shooting incident had a profound impact on the local community, stirring conversations about youth violence, gun safety, and mental health support for young individuals. The tragic loss of Jamari Cortez Bonaparte-Jackson highlighted the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future and to support those affected by the tragedy.

Support for the Families

As the legal proceedings continue, community members have come together to offer support to the families involved in the case. Counseling services, community events, and advocacy efforts have been launched to address the broader issues raised by the Tanglewood shooting and to promote healing and understanding.

Continued Vigilance

Authorities, school officials, and community leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining a vigilant approach to safety and security in schools and local neighborhoods. Efforts are underway to enhance safety protocols, provide mental health resources, and foster a culture of support and communication to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Looking Ahead

As the arraignment hearing takes place and the legal process unfolds, the Greenville community remains united in seeking justice, healing, and prevention. The impact of the Tanglewood shooting continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard our youth and nurture a safe and supportive environment for all.