Three co-defendants convicted in 2023 murder of 20-year-old
July 22, 2026
On Friday, July 17, a Richland County jury convicted Jaylen Wallace and Jerrelle Goodwin Jr. of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Y’Quantis Gilmore was convicted of failure to stop for a blue light, second offense. The three co-defendants were found guilty for their roles in the murder of 20-year-old Travis Prophet.
The Honorable Chris Taylor sentenced Goodwin to 35 years for murder and five years for possession of a weapon during a violent crime, to be served consecutively. Wallace’s sentencing was deferred pending a separate hearing because he was 17 at the time of the incident; he faces a minimum of 30 years for murder plus five years for possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Gilmore received a four-year sentence suspended to one year, followed by three years of probation for failure to stop for a blue light.
The murder occurred Jan. 4, 2023, in the Bluff Estates neighborhood. Evidence showed Goodwin contacted Prophet to purchase drugs. Two minutes after Prophet arrived, Goodwin and Wallace shot him multiple times in the head and body. Law enforcement collected more than 40 shell casings at the scene.
Gilmore actively communicated with Goodwin leading up to the murder. Video surveillance captured Gilmore driving into the neighborhood minutes before the incident.
After the shooting, Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) deputies pulled up behind the suspect vehicle within two minutes of the 911 call. The defendants fled when deputies attempted to stop them.
Throughout the week, the State presented the jury with eyewitness testimony, video surveillance, and digital forensic evidence.
Senior Assistant Solicitor Kathryn Cavanaugh led the prosecution for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, with Assistant Solicitors Gabrielle Sharp and John Yurco serving as co-counsel. RCSD Sgt. Christopher Mastrianni and Investigator Elise Ambos led the investigation.