Two teenagers killed in Halloween night shooting in Spartanburg
Police say the victims were on their way home from trick-or-treating when they were struck by gunfire outside a fast-food restaurant.
By John Ferrari ·
Spartanburg Police are investigating a late-night shooting that resulted in the deaths of two local teenagers. Officers responded to the scene on John B. White Sr. Boulevard around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, after receiving reports of multiple gunshots fired outside a Cook Out restaurant.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds in the parking lot. Both victims received first aid at the location before being transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Doctors pronounced them dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Jayden Marek Watson, age 15, and Shane Carter Dawkins, age 17. A third person was also hit by a bullet but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. This individual was taken to a hospital by a family member rather than by an ambulance.
Police Chief Art Littlejohn emphasized that the group was out enjoying the holiday evening. He noted that the teens were going trick-or-treating and getting food when the incident occurred. Littlejohn described the victims as good young people who were simply kids on a Halloween night.
No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made as of this report. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains active.
Littlejohn expressed frustration over the event, stating that someone was irresponsible by pulling out a gun and firing while the group was out to eat after their Halloween activities.
