South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on March 26 the return of a two-count indictment against Kylynn Jackson and Rajai Jones for the murder of Darius Minter in Chester County. The State Grand Jury indicted both men on charges of criminal conspiracy and murder, alleging they conspired to kill Minter during a series of retaliatory shootings between rival gangs on July 5, 2022.
The indictments are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged gang violence in Chester County. This case highlights efforts by state officials to address violent crime through coordinated law enforcement action. According to the official website, the South Carolina Attorney General collaborates with state law enforcement and solicitors on criminal prosecutions, supporting victims through advocacy and resources while contributing to community safety and protection according to the official website.
Bond was denied for both defendants by Judge Heath Taylor in Richland County on March 20. Jones is currently serving a sentence for voluntary manslaughter at the South Carolina Department of Corrections and was transported from prison for his hearing. Jackson remains at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
“This case represents a significant step in a long and intensive investigation into alleged gang violence in Chester County,” Wilson said. “Gang violence remains a scourge in many South Carolina communities, both large and small. My Office remains ready, willing, and able to assist those communities in rooting out that violence. This partnership between the South Carolina Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Section, SLED, and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office is yet another example of what interagency cooperation can accomplish in our state.”
Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey said: “These indictments are another pivotal moment in our ongoing mission to dismantle the cycle of gang violence that has impacted Chester County. This investigation has been long and intensive, but our partnership with SLED and the SC Attorney General’s Office has never wavered in our pursuit of the truth.” State Grand Jury chief attorney S. Creighton Waters also thanked his staff along with law enforcement partners for their work: “The State Grand Jury continues to make a difference in important cases,” Waters said.
SLED Chief Mark Keel added: “The State Grand Jury is a critical partnership in the effort to rid communities across South Carolina of violent gang members. SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and prosecutors to hold these gang members accountable.” The office extends its operations statewide according to its official website, functioning as South Carolina’s primary legal advocate handling prosecutions as well as enforcing laws related to securities and consumer protection according to its official website. Alan Wilson serves as head of this office according to its official website.
Assistant Attorneys General John Conrad, Jennifer McKellar, and Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General S. Creighton Waters will prosecute this case alongside investigators from multiple agencies involved.
Wilson stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
