A South Carolina man has been sentenced to prison in connection with the shooting death of a Virginia teen and basketball player during a Myrtle Beach trip in 2024.
Man Sentenced in Myrtle Beach Teen Shooting
Gary Abraham of Aiken, South Carolina, pleaded guilty Tuesday to:
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
The charges are connected to the death of 16-year-old Jakolbi Taylor of Roanoke, Virginia.
Teen Was Visiting Myrtle Beach for Basketball Tournament
Taylor was in Myrtle Beach with an AAU basketball team when he was shot on July 20, 2024, near the beach access on 16th Avenue North.
Court proceedings revealed Abraham was also participating in the same basketball tournament on a different team.
Court Details and Sentence
A judge sentenced Abraham to:
- 20 years for voluntary manslaughter
- 5 years for the weapons charge
The sentences will run at the same time.
Authorities said Abraham will also receive more than 600 days credit for time already served.
Shooting Captured on Video
According to arrest warrants, Abraham encountered Taylor and others before motioning for them to follow him toward the beach.
Investigators said Abraham removed a backpack and opened fire, striking Taylor multiple times.
Police said the shooting was captured on video.
Defense Claimed Self-Defense
During earlier court hearings, Abraham’s attorneys argued the shooting involved self-defense and could have qualified under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law.
However, Abraham later chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility.
In court, Abraham apologized to Taylor’s family and said he wished he could take back what happened.
Family Reacts to Sentencing
Taylor’s family said they were disappointed with the sentence and believed the punishment should have been harsher.
Family members described Jakolbi Taylor as a talented basketball player and positive role model.
