SPARTANBURG, SC — A community is mourning the senseless and heartbreaking death of an infant who was shot and killed while sleeping beside his mother in the early hours of Sunday morning. Zymir Demarco Smith, a 7-month-old baby, died after being struck by a bullet during a shooting that took place at a home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
According to the Spartanburg Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. on August 3, 2025, when unknown suspects opened fire on a residence, unleashing a barrage of bullets into the home where the baby and his family were sleeping.
Zymir, lying in bed next to his mother, was struck in the neck by one of the bullets. Family members rushed to his side and called for emergency assistance as panic and chaos filled the home. First responders arrived quickly and transported the infant to a nearby hospital, but despite doctors’ efforts, Zymir tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The sound of gunfire shattered the stillness of the neighborhood in the early hours, prompting neighbors to emerge from their homes, stunned by the violence. Police investigators arrived to a chaotic and emotionally charged scene, where shell casings littered the ground outside and shattered glass marked the points of entry where the bullets had torn through the home’s walls and windows.
Authorities believe the house was intentionally targeted, though they have not identified any suspects or confirmed a motive. No other injuries were reported in the attack, but the trauma inflicted on the family—and the community—will last a lifetime.
“This is absolutely devastating,” said Spartanburg Police Chief Alonzo Thompson during a press briefing. “A baby—just 7 months old—was robbed of his future while sleeping safely next to his mother. This level of violence is sickening and inexcusable. We are doing everything we can to find the individuals responsible for this atrocity and bring them to justice.”
Chief Thompson urged anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital to solving this case. He also encouraged residents in the area to check any home surveillance cameras for footage that may assist investigators.
Zymir’s death has sent shockwaves through the Spartanburg community. A memorial with candles, stuffed animals, and flowers has begun to form outside the family’s home as neighbors, friends, and even strangers express grief, outrage, and support for the grieving parents.
Grief counselors have been made available to the family and community members impacted by the tragedy, and local churches and advocacy organizations are planning vigils and outreach events to honor Zymir’s memory and call for an end to gun violence.
The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss, but a relative shared a few words on their behalf:
“Zymir was our joy, our light. He had the sweetest smile and brought happiness to everyone who met him. We will never understand why this happened, but we will never stop loving him.”
The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Spartanburg Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Anonymous tips are welcome, and a reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
As the search for answers continues, one thing is painfully clear: a precious life has been taken too soon, and a community must now confront the profound pain of another innocent child lost to violence.