Crime
15-Year-Old Jayden Watson and 17-Year-Old Shane Dawkins Killed After Shooting at Spartanburg Cook Out
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Two teenagers died after a shooting at a Cook Out restaurant in Spartanburg overnight, according to Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger.
The coroner’s office was called to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center shortly after midnight Sunday, November 1, after two people who had been transported from the restaurant at 1620 John B. White Sr. Boulevard died.
The victims were identified as Jayden Marek Watson, 15, of Hartnett Drive, and Shane Carter Dawkins, 17, of Thackston Drive, both in Spartanburg. Watson was pronounced dead at 12:04 a.m., and Dawkins was pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m.
Earlier information indicated that multiple people had been shot. Two victims were taken from the scene to a hospital, while additional people reportedly arrived at the hospital on their own. Authorities have not confirmed the total number of people wounded or provided details about the conditions of any other victims.
Forensic examinations are scheduled for Monday, November 2, to help determine the cause and manner of the teenagers’ deaths.
The Spartanburg Police Department is leading the investigation, with the coroner’s office conducting a separate investigation into the deaths. Authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Multiple people were wounded in a shooting near Legion Field in Birmingham shortly after 7:50 p.m. following a college football game, according to Birmingham police.
An initial report indicated that as many as nine people may have been shot, with some victims reportedly suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Police have not confirmed the number of victims or their conditions.
The shooting was reported near the 400 block of Graymont Avenue. Birmingham police said officers and detectives were investigating an active scene and would provide an update as more information became available.
Emergency response efforts were underway, and traffic on Arkadelphia Road was being shut down toward Interstate 59 to allow additional resources to reach the area. A Birmingham Fire and Rescue officer reportedly directed EMS crews to respond to gunshot victims only.
Birmingham police announced that all Magic City Classic tailgating had been suspended and instructed everyone to leave the stadium property as soon as possible.
Authorities also urged the public not to come to Legion Field at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not released information about a suspect or any arrests.