Spartanburg, SC – A quiet Sunday morning turned into heartbreak for a South Carolina family when their 7-month-old baby boy was killed in a targeted shooting that has rocked the community and sparked an urgent investigation.
Infant Killed While Sleeping Beside His Mother
According to the Spartanburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to an apartment on Collins Avenue around 4 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived, officers followed a trail of blood into the home and discovered baby Zymir Demarco Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.
Zymir, who was sleeping beside his mother at the time, was pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities say two suspects opened fire on both levels of the apartment, with multiple bullets penetrating the home.
“It just broke my heart. All I could do was cry,” said Karen Smith, the baby’s aunt.
Police Believe the Attack Was Targeted
During a Monday press briefing, police confirmed that the shooting appeared to be targeted, though they are still working to determine the motive and whether it could be connected to other recent shootings in Spartanburg.
“There’s not anything that’s off the table. We are turning every stone,” said Major Art Littlejohn, a spokesperson for Spartanburg PD.
“No parent, no community, no family should have to experience something like this.”
As of now, no arrests have been made. Authorities have not released details about the suspects or the number of shots fired.
Community Shattered by Infant’s Death
Zymir’s family described him as a cheerful, food-loving baby who adored cartoons and his bouncy chair.
“He was so cute and adorable, and I just couldn’t imagine someone doing that to an innocent child,” said Karen Smith.
“He was a happy, cheerful butterball. He loved to watch cartoons, and he loved to eat.”
Neighbors say they were devastated by the tragedy and deeply moved by the mother’s cries.
“I’ve seen the mom come out and was like, ‘My baby. I wish I could hold my baby, kiss my baby.’ Hearing her break down broke me down,” one neighbor recalled.
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Police Seek Public’s Help as Investigation Continues
The Spartanburg Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, reminding the public that tips can be submitted anonymously.
“Whoever has done this needs to turn themself in because this is senseless,” said Zymir’s aunt. “Just come forward because this is a child that lost his life.”
Residents in the area have vowed to support the investigation and help police find the shooters.
“Everybody help find the person or people who shot this lady’s apartment up,” one neighbor said.
“Hug your babies tight and live every day like it’s your last, because you never know.”
How to Submit Information
If you have any information that could help investigators, please contact the Spartanburg Police Department at (864) 596-2065. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
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