He was arrested after a shooting in 2021 claimed the life of a Hillcrest High School student. Elijah “EJ” Smith was in his car, unarmed outside of Tipsy Taco on Fairview Road in Simpsonville.

Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins stated that on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the now 22-year-old pleaded guilty to murder and attempted armed robbery. Judge G.D. Morgan Jr. sentenced him to 40 ...