A Memorial Day gathering in Spartanburg’s Forest Park neighborhood ended in tragedy on May 30, 2022, when 18-year-old Christopher Tyrone Tyshun Petty was shot and later died at a hospital. Hundreds had filled Collins Avenue for the holiday event; officers were on scene trying to disperse the crowd and control traffic when gunfire was heard. Witnesses initially thought the shots were fireworks, and police found Petty behind a home with a gunshot wound.

The Spartanburg Police Department opened a homicide investigation and asked the public for help identifying anyone responsible. At the time investigators confirmed no arrests had been made and an autopsy was scheduled to determine the precise cause of death. The case remains unsolved, and the community continues to seek answers.

If anyone was at the Memorial Day gathering or has information about what happened that evening, please share what you know.