Teenager Killed in Aiken County Shooting Honored by Family and Community

Kahlil Simmons, set to graduate high school early, was shot and killed on Goodman Road in South Carolina.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a shooting incident.A single bullet casing left behind after a tragic shooting exposes the harsh realities of gun violence in this community.Jackson Today

Kahlil Simmons, a 17-year-old high school student in Aiken County, South Carolina, was shot and killed on Goodman Road. His family and community gathered to honor his life, with over 100 people attending a vigil just hours after the tragedy. Kahlil was described as vibrant, loving, and always willing to help others.

Why it matters

This shooting has devastated Kahlil's family and the local community, who are now grieving the loss of a young life with so much potential. It also raises concerns about gun violence and public safety in the area.

The details

Kahlil Simmons was set to graduate from high school a year early in just a few weeks. On Monday, he was shot and killed on Goodman Road. The Aiken County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting, but no arrests have been made and the suspect is still at large.

  • Kahlil Simmons was shot and killed on Goodman Road on Monday.
  • Kahlil was set to graduate from high school a year early in just a few weeks.

The players

Kahlil Simmons

A 17-year-old high school student in Aiken County, South Carolina who was shot and killed.

Lou Simmons

Kahlil's aunt, who described him as her 'sweetheart' and said he was always willing to help her.

Shaniqua Simmons

Kahlil's mother, who said she put '100 percent' into raising him and is devastated by his death.

Tarsha Simmons

Kahlil's cousin, who described him as 'vibrant' and said he always made sure his family knew he loved them.

Aiken County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Kahlil's shooting death.

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What they’re saying

“He was my sweetheart. Anything I needed, he'd come and get my TV together. I love him so much.”

— Lou Simmons, Kahlil's aunt

“I put 100 percent in with my parents on this kid. And I just can't believe that they took my boy like this.”

— Shaniqua Simmons, Kahlil's mother

“Kahlil was, oh my god, he was vibrant. Every time he sees you, he'd give you a hug. He loved family and he always hugged his family and made sure we knew that he loved us.”

— Tarsha Simmons, Kahlil's cousin

What’s next

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into Kahlil Simmons' shooting death, and is searching for the suspect who is still at large.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has devastated Kahlil's family and the broader community, who are now grieving the loss of a young life with so much potential. It highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for greater public safety measures in the area.