Greenville, S.C. – Tanglewood Middle Shooting Suspect to Be Tried as an Adult

Greenville, S.C. – Tanglewood Middle shooting suspect to be tried as an adult

By Amanda Shaw

Published: Mar. 28, 2024 | Updated: Mar. 29, 2024

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A judge announced that the teenage suspect in the deadly middle school shooting at Tanglewood Middle School will be tried as an adult. The tragic incident occurred in March 2022 when 12-year-old Jamari Jackson was fatally shot in the chest in a school hallway.

The suspect, Jordan Williams Jr., who was also 12 years old at the time, has been the focus of legal proceedings. Williams’ defense attorney had been advocating for the case to remain in family court, while Jamari Jackson’s family had been pushing for Williams to be tried as an adult.

After weighing the arguments and evidence for three months, Judge Jessica Salvini determined that this case met the criteria to be moved up to adult court. She highlighted the violent and premeditated nature of the crime, citing factors such as Williams’ planning of the shooting, refusal to walk away from the conflict, and disturbing statements made prior to the incident.

Salvini also noted Williams’ behavior while in juvenile detention, including engagement in fights and defiance towards authorities. The decision to try Williams as an adult was influenced by concerns about his potential release back into the community if tried in juvenile court.

While Solicitor Walt Wilkins expressed hopes for Williams’ rehabilitation, the defense team is considering the next steps in the case following Salvini’s ruling. Jackson’s family concurrently filed a civil lawsuit against multiple parties related to the incident.

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