Multiple Shootings and Stabbings Reported in South Carolina Gas Stations and Parking Lots

Gas stations, convenience stores, and parking lots can be deceptively dangerous in South Carolina. One might argue that property owners are not doing enough to ensure the safety of average residents, especially with the rising threat of shootings and stabbings. Three of these violent incidents have occurred in just the past week, showing how dangerous public areas have become in this state. If you were injured after a shooting or stabbing, consider a consultation with a South Carolina negligent security lawyer.

Victim Tragically Dies After Trying to Break Up Fight Outside Spartanburg Convenience Store

In early January of 2026, 19 News reported that a man had lost his life after trying to break up a fight outside a Spartanburg convenience store. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day at 1:00 AM, just hours after the arrival of 2026. The victim was ostensibly struggling with poverty at the time of his death, as he was living out of this vehicle.

Witnesses say that the victim approached two people arguing inside a vehicle when he was shot by one of the occupants. The driver then sped away, leaving the victim dying on the ground. Police say they know who was inside the vehicle, but neither individual is facing charges as of this writing.

Shooting Occurs Outside Gas Station in Aiken

Two days later, WRDW reported that another shooting had occurred outside a different gas station in Aiken. Police say that they arrived at the scene to find one victim suffering from gunshot wounds. After surveying the area, they found two bullet holes in the victim’s car. A third shot barely grazed the driver’s side door.

According to the victim, he was stopped at a nearby red light when five individuals emerged from another vehicle and opened fire on him. However, investigators noted that when they surveyed the area of the alleged shooting, they did not find any shell casings.

Teen Stabbed in a Target Parking Lot

In late December of 2025, WSAV reported that a 17-year-old had been stabbed in the parking lot of a South Carolina Target location. The incident occurred in Beaufort County, and police say the attacker was another juvenile. The victim was hospitalized with stab wounds, but he survived. Later, authorities confirmed that they had arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the attack. He now faces numerous charges, including attempted murder.

Can a South Carolina Negligent Security Lawyer Help Me? 

A South Carolina negligent security lawyer may be able to help if you’ve suffered injuries in a gas station or parking lot. Despite the fact that these areas might be empty and unsupervised, property owners still have a legal responsibility to keep them safe. You can discuss your legal pathway toward compensation with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources:

 cleveland19.com/2026/01/02/police-victim-tried-intervene-fight-killed-outside-convenience-store/

wrdw.com/2026/01/06/shooting-report-draws-deputies-circle-k-aiken-county/

wsav.com/news/local-news/south-carolina-news/17-year-old-stabbed-at-target-parking-lot-suspect-arrested/