Crime
3 killed after shooting on Griffin Road in Spartanburg County
The Woodruff Police Department is investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred on September 27th. Four people were shot, resulting in three fatalities. A fourth victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over hunting land access. Family members of the victims were witnesses to the shooting and have been interviewed by authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be released after consultation with the Solicitor’s Office.
All parties involved have been identified, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
According to Ronnie Faulkner, My son is a true hero. He saved five lives while protecting his own son during a horrific incident. When the attacker, armed with an AR-15, shot my friend Paul, my son, Jeremy Faulkner, bravely stepped in and opened fire on the gunman. Despite being outgunned, Jeremy managed to fatally shoot the attacker, who had just taken Paulโs life. Tragically, the gunman then turned his weapon on Jeremy, shooting and killing him.
In his final moments, Jeremyโs bravery saved not only his own son but also Paul’s wife, their three kids, Kyle, and his little boy. These people owe their lives to my sonโs courageous actions. We don’t yet know who the attackers are, but we will find out. Jeremy Faulkner gave his life to protect others, and he will always be remembered as a hero.
A group of friends and family were enjoying a day outdoors on four-wheelers when they encountered a tragic incident. Jeremy Faulkner, a 9-year-old boy, his father, and their friends were clearing debris from the roads and checking on the water levels near a creek.
They encountered two men near the creek who became involved in a verbal dispute with Paul, one of the friends. The situation escalated when one of the men pulled a gun on Paul and pointed it at his face. Paul pleaded with the man not to shoot, explaining that there were children present.
The man, believed to be in his early 20s, began shooting at Paul from the side. In a desperate act of bravery, Jeremy grabbed his own gun and fired at the assailant, fatally striking him. The second suspect, who was also injured, fled the scene but later turned himself in at a hospital.
The incident highlights the dangers of gun violence and the tragic consequences it can have.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.