On March 10, 2023, 27-year-old Talia Petoia of Tryon, North Carolina, was shot at a residence in Mill Spring and later pronounced dead at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Her 21-year-old boyfriend, Tyler Grayson Laughter, told investigators the gun discharged accidentally while he was cleaning a loaded handgun and the bullet struck Petoia in the chest. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated and arrested Laughter on March 17, 2023, charging him with involuntary manslaughter for negligently discharging the firearm; he was released on bond.

Petoia’s family has publicly challenged the handling of the case, saying investigators concluded the shooting was accidental before all evidence, including the autopsy, was reviewed. They also said the couple had a history of domestic violence that was not fully considered and have begun fundraising for an independent review. A Polk County grand jury later indicted Laughter on the involuntary manslaughter charge.

If anyone knew Talia, the couple, or has information about the March 10 shooting, please share what you know.