‘Tragic Loss’: Virginia State Lawmaker Expresses Sorrow Over Teen’s Myrtle Beach Shooting Death
In a saddening incident, a 16-year-old teen from Virginia was fatally shot in Myrtle Beach over the weekend. The victim has been identified as Jakolbi Taylor. The exact circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation, and no suspects have been named or apprehended yet.
Troubling Circumstances
Taylor was in Myrtle Beach for an AAU basketball tournament, an event that attracts young athletes from across multiple states. Known as a standout basketball player and beloved family member, Taylor was simply out enjoying time with his friends when the incident occurred. The teenager was tragically shot at the 16th Avenue North beach access in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The family revealed that a group of roughly 12 people showed up unexpectedly. The exact series of events leading up to the tragic shooting remains unclear, however, it has been reported that Jakolbi was shot as he attempted to flee from the group.
A Community in Mourning and a Call for Assistance
Upon hearing of Taylor’s untimely death, Virginia State Delegate Sam Rasoul, who represents Roanoke, delivered a heartfelt statement expressing his condolences and asking for assistance in the ongoing investigation.
“What a tragic loss of a bright young soul in our community.” said Delegate Rasoul. “We want to ensure any resources we have here in Virginia to assist in this investigation are offered.”
Delegate Rasoul further informed that the Virginia State Police have been swift in responding to this request, and are currently reaching out to offer aid to the South Carolina authorities working on the case.
The Investigation is Underway
The word received from the local authorities confirmed that multiple individuals were seen running away from the scene post shooting. Currently, no arrests have been made, and no potential suspects have been named. But the law enforcement agencies are working diligently around the clock, and any developments will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.
A Plea for Peace and Answers
The Taylor family, while contending with this unimaginable loss, are also seeking answers to what led to the fatal shooting of their beloved son. The death of Jakolbi Taylor is indeed a harrowing incident, and it underscores the vital importance of fostering peace in our communities and doing all within our power to protect our youth.
We from HERE News extend our sympathies to the Taylor family, and we join Delegate Sam Rasoul and the wider community in encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation and ensure justice is served.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). 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 Myrtle Beach Area 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.
