Deputies seek information in deadly Upstate shooting that killed teen

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office said a teen has died after a shooting at an apartment complex on Monday night.

Deputies said they were called to the Bryant at 350 Bryant Road at 7:57 p.m. and located two gunshot victims upon arrival.

The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office said one of the victims, 16-year-old Brodarrien Tate, was shot and killed in a parking lot near his home.

Officials said the second victim, a 34-year-old bystander who was attempting to render aid, was shot in the leg. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Several neighbors said they heard the gunshots. One woman, a mother of six kids said she dropped to her apartment floor and protected her babies as the shots rang out.

At this time, no arrests have been made.

Neighbors said Monday’s shooting is especially alarming, because just last week shots were fired along the same road, Bryant Road.

Some people in the community said they’re numb to these acts of gun violence. While others like Stop The Violence Coalition in Spartanburg County said they’re working to turn the pain into purpose by helping the youth and stop the violence.

“It is heartbreaking. What we try to do is try to help them curb the bad decisions,” Angelia Edwards, co-founder of the coalition said. “Sometimes if you just sit down and talk to an adult you might not make that split second decision.”

Tate is the fifth youth to be killed in Spartanburg over the past few months. Since June, at least one infant and four teens have been killed by gun violence. Only one case, 17-year-old Zion Jordan’s has seen arrests made.

The Spartanburg County Coroner also made a statement:

“Violence continues to wreak havoc on our community, especially our children,” Coroner Rusty Clevenger said. “Community leaders have previously called for an end to the use of guns as a means to resolve conflicts. We as a community must change our mindset and resolve our problems in a less permanent fashion! My office is here to help with tragic loss. Our minds and hearts must change to end the violence we are experiencing. Take a minute to be thankful for what you have and pray for the families that have experienced losses in their families.”

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Jon Guest at jguest@spartanburgcounty.org or 864-503-4595.

Stop The Violence Coalition meets several times a month in Spartanburg County to engage with the youth and community. Click here to get involved.

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