By: M.J. Farah
WOODRUFF, S.C. — Nearly one year after the shooting death of 21-year-old Aaliyah Simmons, the criminal cases involving Angel Marie Willis and Jorge Armando Cano Jr. remain unresolved.
Simmons was killed following a shooting shortly before midnight on Oct. 3, 2025, at a residence on Blue Gill Way in the Woodruff area of Spartanburg County.
According to information released by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office following the shooting, investigators alleged that Willis, then 19, and Cano, then 24, went to the residence intending to fight one of Simmons’ friends.
Authorities alleged that Willis shot Simmons during the confrontation. Simmons suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and died at the scene.
Willis was subsequently charged with murder, while Cano was charged with accessory after the fact.
During an initial bond hearing, Cano was denied bond. A magistrate did not set bond for Willis because bond on a murder charge must be considered by a circuit court judge.
Spartanburg County court records reviewed by The Woodruff Times list Willis’s case as “Pending/Trial.” The records show that a grand jury returned a true bill on Dec. 19, 2025, allowing the charge to proceed. A true bill is not a finding of guilt.
The court record lists a public defender as representing Willis. Her previous designation as a self-represented defendant is marked inactive.
The Woodruff Times has confirmed that no trial date has been scheduled. As of Sept. 3, 2026, the newspaper had not confirmed a guilty plea, conviction, dismissal or sentencing involving either defendant.
The Woodruff Times is continuing to seek information regarding any upcoming court appearances, bond decisions or other developments.
As the first anniversary of Simmons’ death approaches, the proceedings remain centered on the loss of a 21-year-old woman during a confrontation that authorities allege was originally directed at someone else.
The charges are allegations. Willis and Cano are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Woodruff Times will continue monitoring the cases and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
