Tragedy in Spartanburg: 7-Month-Old Zymir Demarco Smith Killed in Drive-By Shooting on Collins Avenue
SPARTANBURG, SC – A heartbreaking act of violence has rocked the Spartanburg community, as authorities have confirmed the death of 7-month-old Zymir Demarco Smith, an innocent infant who lost his life in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025. According to reports from the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office, Zymir was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting while sleeping inside a residence on the city’s Southside.
Spartanburg Medical Center contacted the Coroner’s Office shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday to report the death of the infant. Zymir had been transported to the hospital by Spartanburg EMS following a desperate call for help from the child’s home just after 4:00 a.m. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene to find that the baby had sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the neck.
Initial reports indicate that the gunfire came from outside the residence—confirming what appears to be a senseless and cowardly drive-by shooting on Collins Avenue, a neighborhood located on the Southside of Spartanburg. At this time, no arrests have been made, and the Spartanburg City Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
The Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Zymir Demarco Smith, a 7-month-old baby boy from Spartanburg. His life was just beginning—cut short by an act of violence that has left his family, the local community, and the entire city in a state of mourning and outrage.
In a public statement, the Coroner emphasized the devastation of the tragedy:
“It is unimaginable to think a child—just 7 months old—could be taken from this world in such a violent and heartless way. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Zymir Smith. We urge anyone with information to come forward. Somebody knows something. This family deserves justice, and they deserve answers.”
Community leaders, faith organizations, and grieving residents are now coming together to support the Smith family, who are facing an unimaginable loss. A makeshift memorial has already begun to form on Collins Avenue, where neighbors and loved ones have placed teddy bears, candles, and flowers in Zymir’s memory.
Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice also addressed the public in the wake of the infant’s death, calling the shooting “a wake-up call” for the community.
“A 7-month-old baby has been murdered in his sleep. This cannot become normal. We are better than this. The City of Spartanburg will work with law enforcement to ensure justice is served, and we urge residents to speak up if they know anything. Silence only protects the guilty.”
As of now, Spartanburg City Police continue to collect evidence and interview potential witnesses. No suspects have been officially named, and detectives are urging anyone who was in the area of Collins Avenue between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning to come forward with any information, no matter how small.
If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Spartanburg Police Department at (864) 596-2065 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
The tragic death of baby Zymir Demarco Smith is a stark reminder of the collateral damage of gun violence and the urgent need for stronger community engagement and preventative action. As Spartanburg grieves, the call for justice grows louder.
Let us all keep the Smith family in our hearts and prayers as they navigate this devastating time. Let Zymir’s name be remembered, and let his life—not his death—be the reason we stand up against violence and demand change.
Rest in peace, sweet Zymir. Your light was stolen, but your memory will shine on.
