LANCASTER, S.C. — The Lancaster Police Department has arrested two more suspects in connection with the September 2024 shooting death of 18-year-old Jelani Jackson, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to four, authorities announced Thursday.
The suspects, both juveniles, are charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Due to their age, their identities have not been disclosed.
Their arrests follow that of Lamonte Roberts, 31, of Lancaster, who was apprehended in Richland County on November 20, 2024. Roberts faces multiple charges, including murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently being held without bond at the Lancaster County Detention Center.
A fourth suspect, 19-year-old Kenyan Blair, also of Lancaster, was arrested a week after the Sept. 4 shooting. Blair remains in custody at the Lancaster County Detention Center on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Jackson was found wounded on Clinton Avenue near Ruth Street and later died at a hospital. His killing triggered a series of six shootings within a week, which authorities described as retaliatory acts.
“Preventing and addressing violent crime remains the top priority for the Lancaster Police Department,” stated Chief Don Roper. “Our committed officers and law enforcement partners have dedicated countless hours to resolving this violent incident.”
Chief Roper also expressed gratitude for the support of multiple agencies involved in the investigation, including the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Multijurisdictional Violent Crimes Task Force, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, CMPD VCAT, the Richland County Fugitive Task Force and SRT Team, ATF, FBI, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, and the Sixth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
The case remains active, and authorities continue to seek information from the public. Anyone with details about this case or other investigations is urged to contact the Lancaster Police Department at (803) 283-1171, the Anonymous Tip Line at (803) 289-6040, or the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 283-3388 (Option 4). Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.p3tips.com/983 or through the P3Tips mobile app for Apple and Android devices.
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