Newberry SC, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Newberry County officials and residents are still searching for justice six years after Sharonda Sims was murdered while walking home. Despite extensive investigations and the FBI’s involvement, the case remains unsolved. Friends and family remember her as a loving mother and a person full of life. The local Sheriff’s Office continues to seek tips from the community, including a reward for helpful leads. The unresolved case weighs heavily on Sims’ family, who yearn for closure.
Newberry County officials and residents continue to search for justice over six years after the murder of Sharonda Sims, a 40-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short. Sims was shot and killed while walking home on September 17, 2019, along Drayton Street. Despite evidence from surveillance footage capturing muzzle flashes and the outlines of potential suspects, law enforcement has yet to identify anyone connected to the crime.
The case has been classified as a cold case by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, which reports that it still lacks leads despite extensive investigations. More than 50 individuals have been interviewed throughout the years, and the Sheriff’s Office has enlisted federal assistance, including the FBI, to improve the quality of the surveillance footage. However, Sheriff Lee Foster emphasizes that the case has reached a stalemate.
Sharonda Sims was well-loved, described as a free spirit known for her laughter and dedication to her three children. In the aftermath of her murder, her children have continued to visit her grave, reflecting the profound impact her loss has had on their lives. Martha and Willie Sims Jr., Sharonda’s parents, have been grappling with devastating emotional pain as they confront a future with unresolved questions about their daughter’s murder.
There is speculation that Sharonda’s death may be linked to a series of drive-by shootings occurring in the vicinity around the same time. The Sheriff’s Office maintains several persons of interest, yet no formal charges have been made against any suspects. Law enforcement is actively seeking tips and information from the community to help unravel the mystery surrounding this case.
Martha Sims has expressed her deep sense of forgiveness towards her daughter’s killer but underscores the necessity for closure to help her family heal. She has shared that the emotional distress connected to the site of her daughter’s murder has led her to alter her daily routes to avoid it. Her husband, Willy Sims Jr., has promised to keep the search for justice alive, indicating that they will not let the case fade from public memory.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to work diligently on the case, hoping that advancements in technology might eventually provide new leads. As part of their outreach, they are offering a reward of at least $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. Community members with knowledge pertaining to this investigation are encouraged to contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeStoppers.
As the Sims family endures another year without answers, they live with a persistent fear that justice might elude them forever. With every passing year, the hope for closure remains a guiding light amid the shadow of tragedy.
FAQ
What happened to Sharonda Sims?
Sharonda Sims, a 40-year-old woman, was shot and killed on Drayton Street in Newberry County on September 17, 2019, while she was walking home.
What evidence is available in Sharonda Sims’ case?
Surveillance video captured muzzle flashes and the outlines of individuals, but no suspects have been identified. The case is currently classified as a cold case with no leads.
How has the Sims family been impacted?
Martha Sims, Sharonda’s mother, has expressed that six years feels like a lifetime of unanswered questions, and both parents are enduring severe emotional pain due to the unresolved case. Sharonda’s children continue to visit her grave.
What efforts has law enforcement made to solve the case?
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has interviewed over 50 individuals and sought assistance from federal agencies, including the FBI, to enhance the surveillance footage. However, Sheriff Lee Foster has indicated that the case is still active but at a stalemate.
Is there a reward for information on this case?
The Sheriff’s Office has a reward of at least $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Six Years Seems Like One Hundred
- Wikipedia: Unsolved Murder
- WACH: Four Facing Charges of Murder
- Google Search: Newberry County Unsolved Murder
- WLTX: Cold Case Haunts Newberry County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cold Case
- Fox Carolina: Family Pleads for Answers
- Google News: Sharonda Sims Murder
- WYFF4: 72-Year-Old Woman in Newberry Dies
- Newberry Observer: Final Arrest Made
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
