Greenville Judge Rules Tanglewood Shooting Suspect to be Tried as Adult

A Greenville County judge has made a significant decision in the case of the Tanglewood Middle School shooting suspect, Jordan Williams.

After months of deliberation, Judge Jessica A. Salvini ruled that the 14-year-old suspect will face murder charges as an adult. The decision comes following a two-day hearing where evidence was presented regarding the seriousness and premeditation of the crime that took place in March 2022 at Tanglewood Middle School.

Williams, who was 12-years-old at the time of the shooting which resulted in the death of fellow student Jamari Cortez Bonaparte-Jackson, will now have his case moved to a general sessions court. The Greenville News has decided to name Williams due to the transfer of his case to adult court.

Facing the Evidence

During the December hearing, prosecutors argued that Williams had planned the shooting and exhibited a pattern of bullying behavior, leading them to push for an adult criminal trial. The defense, on the other hand, highlighted Williams’ own experience of being bullied at the school and presented evidence suggesting his potential for rehabilitation.

Video footage of the tragic incident, showing Bonaparte-Jackson being shot in the 7th-grade hallway while students were in transition between classes, was played during the hearing, further emphasizing the gravity of the offense.

Evaluating the Decision

In South Carolina, a family court judge can waive a child of any age charged with murder to adult court based on specific standards known as “Kent factors.” These factors consider the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s maturity, prior record, and prospects for rehabilitation, among others.

Judge Salvini ultimately decided that Williams’ actions warranted being tried as an adult, pointing to the premeditated nature of the offense. She referenced a note written by the juvenile that alluded to committing a murder, indicating a level of planning and intent.

Despite arguments regarding Williams’ maturity and potential for rehabilitation, Salvini noted a history of harassment and behavioral issues in school, including previous suspensions and an instance of bringing an airsoft gun to school.

Next Steps in the Case

According to 13th Circuit Solicitor Walter Wilkins, Williams’ murder charge will be brought before a grand jury in May, followed by negotiations between the prosecution and defense. A trial date has not been set yet, but discussions are expected to conclude by the end of the summer.

Family and Community Response

Attorneys representing the Bonaparte-Jackson family expressed their support for the decision to try Williams as an adult, emphasizing the significance of accountability in such cases.

“This is a level of relief not just for them (Bonaparte-Jackson’s family) but for the community,” said Margie Pizzaro, one of the attorneys. Solicitor Wilkins acknowledged the challenges of handling cases involving young offenders, recognizing the impact on all parties involved.

Seeking Accountability

Meanwhile, the Bonaparte-Jackson family is pursuing legal action against the Greenville County School District, holding them responsible for ensuring the safety and security of students. The family’s attorneys asserted the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Unfortunately, the school district has a history of allowing things like this to happen, trying to sugarcoat or gloss over incidents to avoid accountability. We’re here to make sure the school district is held accountable,” stated Bill Young, another attorney representing the family.

As the case against Jordan Williams progresses to adult court, the Greenville community awaits further developments in this tragic and complex legal matter.