Greenville, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Rashad Jamon Stovall, 44, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of Lamonte Simmons Jr. Stovall has been sentenced to 28 years in prison. The incident has raised concerns over rising gun violence in Greenville, as police also investigate other recent shootings. Community members are actively participating in vigils to honor the victims and call for action against violence.
Greenville – Rashad Jamon Stovall, 44, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2020 shooting death of Lamonte Simmons Jr. Following a plea agreement, Stovall has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for his involvement in the crime.
Lamonte Simmons Jr. was found fatally shot in a grassy area near his grandmother’s apartment in Berea. In the hours leading up to the shooting, Stovall had driven to multiple locations in search of Simmons before arriving at the apartment complex. He exited his vehicle and fired several rounds, striking Simmons who was located between two buildings. Following the incident, Stovall fled the scene, leaving his phone among the shell casings in the parking lot, which later became evidence in the case.
The case escalates the ongoing concerns over gun violence in the area, with Greenville police currently investigating another shooting incident that occurred recently on Battle Street. The police discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds who died at the scene despite emergency medical services’ attempts to revive him. The identity of the deceased has not been released, but authorities are pursuing strong leads in the murder investigation. To facilitate the investigation, the street was closed for about seven hours and reopened at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
In a separate but equally tragic event, a woman and a 16-year-old have been charged with murder following a shooting that resulted in the death of one child and injuries to two others at Belle Meade Apartments. The accused, Shawnteza La Shay Sherman, 31, faces multiple charges, including murder, two counts of attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy, and has been denied bond. The shooting involved 5-year-old twins; one, Brite Shalom Acoy, was killed, while her brother, Journey Acoy, is reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses reported video evidence suggesting that at least two shooters were involved in the gunfire exchange, which became chaotic around 5:30 p.m. on a Friday. The other injured victim is an 18-year-old who is expected to make a recovery. Additionally, an arrest was made regarding the twin victim’s aunt, Stanci Joy Acoy, 32, facing several charges, including unlawful conduct towards a child.
As law enforcement delves deeper into these recent shooting incidents, community members have taken it upon themselves to hold a prayer vigil for the victims, reflecting the community’s grief and call for action against violence.
This incident is sadly not isolated in Greenville. Just a few years ago, in 2019, Keisavious Keyshawn Elmore, 24, was sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter for the shooting of Devon Javon Curry, 16. The argument that led to Curry’s death arose from a dispute on Instagram, culminating in 50-60 shots fired during the violent confrontation at Brookside Pointe Apartments. Curry was later discovered deceased by a passerby.
As the city grapples with these violent incidents, law enforcement officials urge the public to provide any relevant information regarding the ongoing investigations, as they work diligently to address the surge in gun violence affecting their community.
FAQs
What was the reason for Rashad Jamon Stovall’s guilty plea?
Rashad Jamon Stovall pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of Lamonte Simmons Jr. in 2020.
What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Lamonte Simmons Jr.?
Stovall drove to multiple locations searching for Simmons, eventually finding him at an apartment complex where he shot multiple rounds, resulting in Simmons’ death.
What is the connection between the recent shooting incidents in Greenville?
Greenville police are currently investigating several shooting incidents including Stovall’s case and another shooting on Battle Street that resulted in a man’s death.
How are community members responding to the rise in violence?
Community members are holding prayer vigils for the victims, showing solidarity and concern regarding the increase in gun violence.
Key Features of the Events
| Event | Date | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashad Stovall Pleads Guilty | 2020 | Berea | 28 years in prison |
| Shooting on Battle Street | Recent | Battle Street, Greenville | Victim died |
| Shooting at Belle Meade Apartments | Recent | Belle Meade Apartments | One child dead, two hospitalized |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville Man Convicted of Murder in Motel Shooting
Greenville Police Arrest Suspect in Deadly Shooting
Wave of Violence in Greenville Leads to Multiple Fatalities
Tragic Incident at Evergreen High School: A Community in Shock
Tragic Shooting at Evergreen High School Leaves One Dead and Two Wounded
Community Responses in Columbus County Amid Crime and Progress
Suspect Turns Himself In After Homicide in Wellford
Body Discovered in Vehicle at Greenville Apartments
Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Church during Morning Mass
Minneapolis Church Shooting: A Community in Mourning
Additional Resources
- WITN: Police Investigating Shooting in West Greenville Neighborhood
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Fox Carolina: Multiple Found Hurt After Shooting in Greenville Co.
- Google Search: Greenville Shooting
- The State: Local Crime News
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Greenville
- WIS TV: Woman Charged with Murder in Shooting of 5-Year-Old
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime and Violence
- Greenville Online: Six Years After Shooting Death, Teen Suspect Pleads Guilty
- Google News: Greenville Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
