Lamonta Roberts, 31, is accused of killing Jelani Jackson, 18.
LANCASTER, S.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.
A man accused of killing a Lancaster teen in September 2024 has been arrested more than 60 miles away from where the deadly shooting happened.
On Thursday, the Lancaster Police Department announced 31-year-old Lamonta Roberts was found in Richland County and taken into custody. Roberts was located Wednesday night.
He is now charged with murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roberts is in the department’s custody.
“Preventing and addressing violent crime is the top priority of the Lancaster Police Department,” said Chief Don Roper. “Our dedicated officers and law enforcement partners devoted extensive hours to resolving this violent act.”
Roberts is the second suspect to face charges in Jackson’s killing. A week after the shooting, police arrested 19-year-old Kenyan Blair. Blair was already in custody for other charges and was held in jail under no bond.
A previous alert from law enforcement for Roberts noted he was to be treated as armed and dangerous, and was also wanted for violating his federal probation.
Jackson was found wounded along Clinton Avenue near Ruth Street on Sept. 4. He was taken to a hospital but later died.
The shooting was the first in a string of six shootings within a week in the area that prompted law enforcement to offer a $20,000 cash reward for information. The five shootings that followed were deemed retaliatory incidents by investigators.
The investigation into Jackson’s killing remains ongoing. Anyone who can offer information is asked to call Lancaster Police at (803) 283-1171. Anonymous tips can be phoned in to (803) 289-6040. Tips can also be shared via the P3Tips app or via an online form with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.
