Dad seeks answers after 17-year-old daughter allegedly shot by boyfriend: ‘I’m living a nightmare’
MANNING, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A deadly shooting in South Carolina that was originally believed to be an accident has led to an arrest, but the 17-year-old victim’s father says his search for answers is far from over.
Khalil Gillard, 18, is charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.(Clarendon County Detention Center)
Jaela Hilton, 17, was fatally shot March 20 inside an apartment at the Village St. Claire in Manning, South Carolina. She was found with two gunshot wounds, according to Manning Police.
Her father, Dedrick Hilton, is still trying to come to terms with the reality that his daughter is no longer here. He says what makes her death even more heartbreaking is that she was two months pregnant.
“My last moment of touching my daughter was in a casket,” he said. “I still feel like I’m living a nightmare.”
Police initially believed the shooting was an accident, but after more investigation, they now say Jaela Hilton was shot by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Khalil Gillard. He was arrested Thursday and charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
According to an accident report, Gillard told police at the time that Jaela Hilton had lain on the gun, causing it to go off and strike her. His arrest warrant states he later admitted to police he was holding the gun when it went off.
“The initial statements that were given did not match the evidence that was collected. That is why it is important to do a complete investigation to determine the correct charges,” said Manning Police Chief Sean Briley in a statement.
Dedrick Hilton is now keeping his daughter’s memory alive while he fights for justice.
“I have a whirlwind of questions,” he said. “We have to stand up. We have to speak out. We have to make sure nothing like this happens again. Justice for Jaela.”
Jaela Hilton had plans to become a traveling nurse in the Air Force, her father says.
The investigation is ongoing, and Briley says there could be additional charges. Evidence has been sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for testing.
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