SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Two teenagers are facing murder charges following a deadly shooting that occurred in November 2025. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office announced that 17-year-old Christopher Joseph Mallory and 19-year-old Gregory Keon Coker have been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Authorities responded to a call on November 24 reporting shots fired at a parking lot off Bryant Road, where they found 16-year-old Brodarrien Tate suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, Tate was pronounced dead at the scene. In a separate incident, a 34-year-old bystander was also shot in the leg while attempting to assist Tate.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Bond hearings for Mallory and Coker are slated for 11 a.m. on Saturday. The sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with further details about the incident to reach out to law enforcement officials.
The events have raised concerns about youth violence in the community. Local leaders are calling for increased outreach and preventive measures to address the rising trend of gun-related incidents among teenagers. The community has begun to hold discussions on how to effectively engage young people and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the motives behind the shooting. Community members are also urged to participate in local initiatives aimed at fostering safer environments for youth.
In light of this incident, public safety remains a top priority for law enforcement and advocacy groups alike, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions to combat violence in Spartanburg County.