Crime
41-year-old Brandon Parker accused of shooting ex-girlfriend at Walmart in Spartanburg
Authorities in Spartanburg have confirmed that a man was arrested following a violent shooting Tuesday night in the parking lot of a Walmart on Dorman Centre Drive.
The incident occurred on September 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
According to the Spartanburg Police Department, 41-year-old Brandon Parker allegedly opened fire on his ex-girlfriend as she drove through the parking lot.
Police reports state that after the victim was struck by an initial gunshot, she attempted to drive toward the front of the Walmart where a security officer’s vehicle was parked.
As she exited her vehicle to seek help, Parker allegedly fired additional rounds, hitting her again before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.
The woman sustained gunshot wounds to her back and leg and was transported to a nearby hospital. Her condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Authorities launched a multistate search for Parker, who was located and taken into custody hours later in Kentucky, more than 300 miles from Spartanburg.
Spartanburg police, with assistance from Kentucky State Police, are coordinating his extradition and the return of collected evidence to South Carolina.
Police confirmed Parker will face several charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Domestic violence
- Breach of peace
- Discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle
Witnesses described panic and confusion during the incident. One Walmart customer recalled hearing “five loud gunshots” and said shoppers inside the store were “shocked and surprised, wondering what happened out there in the parking lot.”
Following the shooting, officers secured the front of the store with crime scene tape as investigators processed evidence.
No other injuries were reported aside from the victim.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
The Spartanburg Police Department urges anyone with additional information to contact investigators at 864-596-2065 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.