On May 2, 2025, Lancaster, South Carolina, became the site of a senseless and brutal shooting, which left 40-year-old Larisha Thompson dead behind the wheel of her Honda Accord. Six individuals, including Asael Torres-Chirinos, Jarby Ramos-Odari, and Jeyson Pineda-Salgado, who are all undocumented immigrants, were charged in connection to her death, which occurred during what authorities believe to have been an attempted robbery. The suspects involved now face multiple charges, including murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary, and are also facing the possibility of deportation under federal immigration law. The investigation into this shooting, which has left the local community in shock, has raised serious questions about the intersection of crime, immigration policy, and the legal system in the United States.

The Fatal Shooting

The tragedy unfolded just before midnight on May 2, 2025, along Riverside Road, a quiet stretch of roadway in Lancaster. Larisha Thompson, a local woman, was returning from a trip to Rock Hill when her life was abruptly taken in what appears to have been a random act of violence. Family members lost contact with Thompson during the evening and, after several unsuccessful attempts to reach her, began to search for her whereabouts. The search ended tragically when they found her lifeless body behind the wheel of her car. She had been shot and killed during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery.

Sheriff Barry Faile of Lancaster County spoke to the gravity of the situation, condemning the act of violence as “defying any sense of decency in a civilized society.” Faile emphasized that Thompson had been “going about her business” on a Friday night, not bothering anyone, when she became the victim of this senseless shooting.

The Investigation and Arrests

Following Thompson’s death, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies launched an intensive investigation. The case quickly revealed that Thompson’s shooting was connected to an attempted robbery, where the suspects allegedly targeted Thompson randomly. Investigators believe the shooting may have been linked to a failed burglary attempt just days before, with evidence suggesting the involvement of the six suspects.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, Sheriff Faile announced the arrest of six individuals in connection to the crime. Among those arrested, three were adults: 21-year-old Asael Torres-Chirinos, 18-year-old Jarby Ramos-Odari, and 17-year-old Jeyson Pineda-Salgado. The three adults were charged with murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. They are being held in jail without bail.

In addition to the adults, three minors, ages 15, 14, and 13, were arrested and charged as juveniles. The charges against them mirror those of the adults—murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. However, due to their status as minors, their names have not been released, and their cases will be handled in family court, not criminal court.

The six suspects are all undocumented immigrants in the United States. Sheriff Faile confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had placed detainers on these individuals, meaning they could face deportation under federal immigration law. However, Faile clarified that the detainers do not guarantee immediate deportation, and the suspects will have their day in court to answer for the charges they face.

The Suspects and Their Alleged Involvement

The investigation revealed chilling details about the suspects’ involvement in the crime. According to law enforcement officials, the six individuals were traveling in a car driven by 21-year-old Asael Torres-Chirinos. He was seated in the front passenger seat, armed with a pistol. Authorities believe that the suspects followed Thompson’s vehicle on Riverside Road before Torres-Chirinos opened fire on her car. Thompson, who was driving alone, was struck by the bullets and later died from her injuries.

Investigators have pointed to evidence suggesting that the suspects were acting in tandem. The six individuals, including the minors, were allegedly in the car at the time of the shooting, which authorities believe was a random act of violence during the attempted robbery. The shooting occurred in a quiet area, and the randomness of the act has shaken the local community.

In addition to the charges of murder and attempted robbery, Torres-Chirinos faces additional charges. He is accused of two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful alien. These additional charges reflect the severity of the offense and highlight the legal challenges facing Torres-Chirinos, especially considering his undocumented status.

The Minors and Their Role in the Crime

The involvement of minors in the shooting has drawn attention to the troubling issue of juvenile crime and the impact it can have on a community. The three teenagers arrested in connection to Thompson’s death—ages 15, 14, and 13—are facing serious charges, including murder and armed robbery. Though their names have not been released due to their status as juveniles, their involvement in this violent crime raises questions about the role of youth in criminal activity and the potential for future interventions.

Studies on juvenile crime in the United States have shown that teenagers, particularly those living in high-stress environments, are more likely to engage in violent acts if they lack proper guidance, support systems, and conflict resolution skills. The involvement of the minors in this case suggests a possible lack of proper intervention and support, which could have led to their involvement in such a heinous act.

Immigration and Deportation Concerns

One of the most significant aspects of this case is the fact that all six suspects are undocumented immigrants. This has brought immigration policy to the forefront of the conversation. Sheriff Faile confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had placed detainers on the suspects, meaning that they may face deportation once their criminal cases have been resolved.

The intersection of criminal law and immigration policy has long been a contentious issue in the United States. Immigration advocates argue that deporting individuals who have committed crimes, especially non-violent offenses, can be a harmful and unjust practice. They point to the difficulty of deporting individuals who have lived in the country for many years, formed families, and established lives. However, others argue that illegal immigration is a violation of the law, and those who break the law should face the consequences, which include deportation.

This case highlights the complicated legal landscape of immigration and criminal law. While the suspects face serious charges in connection to the murder of Larisha Thompson, their status as undocumented immigrants raises questions about their future in the United States. Whether or not the suspects will face deportation will depend on the outcomes of their criminal trials and the federal government’s stance on deportation in this particular case.

The Community Impact

The shooting of Larisha Thompson has had a profound impact on the Lancaster community. Thompson, a 40-year-old woman, was described by family and friends as someone who was simply “going about her business” on the night of the shooting. Her tragic death has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her, and the randomness of the crime has left many residents feeling vulnerable.

Sheriff Faile expressed the community’s collective shock at the senseless act of violence. He described the murder as something that “defies any sense of decency in a civilized society.” The randomness of the act, the fact that Thompson was alone and seemingly unconnected to the suspects, has left many wondering how such violence can happen in a small, quiet town.

In the wake of Thompson’s death, the Lancaster community has rallied together to honor her memory. Local organizations have held vigils and memorials in her name, while family members and friends continue to cope with the loss. As the case moves through the criminal justice system, the community’s attention will remain focused on seeking justice for Thompson and ensuring that such a tragic incident does not happen again.

Legal Implications and Future Developments

As the case progresses, the legal system will have to address a variety of complex issues. First and foremost is the question of the suspects’ guilt. The six individuals, including the minors, will face trial for the charges of murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. The adults, Torres-Chirinos, Ramos-Odari, and Pineda-Salgado, are likely to face lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

The involvement of minors in the crime will also present legal challenges. Juvenile offenders are typically given more lenient sentences, but the severity of the charges they face—especially the charge of murder—could lead to a more complicated legal process. The juvenile justice system will have to weigh the ages of the suspects against the severity of the crime they committed.

Another significant issue is the potential for deportation. If convicted, the suspects, particularly the adults, may face deportation under federal immigration law. This adds another layer of complexity to the case, as the federal government will have to determine the appropriate course of action. Whether or not the suspects will face deportation will depend on various factors, including their criminal convictions, length of time spent in the United States, and any possible legal appeals.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Larisha Thompson has left the Lancaster community in mourning, and the arrest of six individuals, including three minors, has sparked significant debate over the intersections of crime, immigration, and juvenile justice. As the case unfolds, it will continue to raise important questions about the role of undocumented immigrants in criminal activity, the consequences of juvenile involvement in violent crimes, and the complex relationship between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

This case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that law enforcement faces in dealing with violent crime, particularly when the perpetrators are minors or undocumented immigrants. As the justice system works to resolve the legal aspects of this case, the community of Lancaster will continue to process the tragic loss of Larisha Thompson and work toward ensuring that justice is served.