MANNING, South Carolina — The community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Jaela Hilton, who was fatally shot on March 20 inside an apartment at Village St. Claire.
According to Manning Police, Hilton was found with two gunshot wounds. The case was initially believed to be accidental, but further investigation led authorities to determine she was shot by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Khalil Gillard. He has since been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Police said early statements from Gillard did not match the evidence collected. While he initially claimed the gun discharged accidentally after Hilton lay on it, investigators say he later admitted he was holding the weapon when it fired.
Hilton’s father, Dedrick Hilton, is still seeking answers and justice for his daughter, sharing the heartbreak of losing her and revealing she was two months pregnant at the time of her death.
Described as a young woman with dreams of becoming a traveling nurse in the Air Force, Hilton’s life was tragically cut short. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
MANNING, South Carolina — The community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Jaela Hilton, who was fatally shot on March 20 inside an apartment at Village St. Claire.
According to Manning Police, Hilton was found with two gunshot wounds. The case was initially believed to be accidental, but further investigation led authorities to determine she was shot by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Khalil Gillard. He has since been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Police said early statements from Gillard did not match the evidence collected. While he initially claimed the gun discharged accidentally after Hilton lay on it, investigators say he later admitted he was holding the weapon when it fired.
Hilton’s father, Dedrick Hilton, is still seeking answers and justice for his daughter, sharing the heartbreak of losing her and revealing she was two months pregnant at the time of her death.
Described as a young woman with dreams of becoming a traveling nurse in the Air Force, Hilton’s life was tragically cut short. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
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