Home State Police to offer assistance to S.C. in Roanoke teen’s homicide investigation
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State Police to offer assistance to S.C. in Roanoke teen’s homicide investigation

Crystal Graham
myrtle beach
(© Chansak Joe A. – stock.adobe.com)

A state delegate is asking the Virginia State Police to help solve the murder of a Roanoke teen who was shot and killed in Myrtle Beach on Saturday.

Jakolbi Taylor, 16, died at the scene of the shooting around 1 a.m., according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The homicide took place in a beach access area.

As the community mourns the loss of Taylor, Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) is asking VSP to offer assistance to South Carolina authorities in the investigation into the murder.

Myrtle Beach Police have not announced an arrest or a suspect in the case.

“What a tragic loss of a bright young soul in our community,” said Rasoul. “We want to ensure that any resources we have here in Virginia to assist in this investigation are offered.”

Rasoul said that the State Police have been responsive to his request and are reaching out to South Carolina authorities.

Taylor, a student at Patrick Henry High School, was in Myrtle Beach for a travel basketball tournament.

His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Patrick Henry High School.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.