Teen Fatally Shot at Rock Hill Gas Station: Community Mourns 16-Year-Old Killed in Late-Night Shooting
ROCK HILL, S.C. – April 23, 2025 — A community is reeling after a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot at a gas station in Rock Hill late Tuesday night, in an incident that has left residents shaken and authorities pursuing leads in a swift investigation.
The Rock Hill Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to the QuikTrip gas station located in the 1100 block of South Cherry Road shortly before 11:30 p.m., after multiple 911 calls reported the sound of gunfire and a person down.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the teenage victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency medical responders were immediately summoned and provided lifesaving efforts on-site before rushing the young man to Piedmont Medical Center.
Despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, the 16-year-old was later pronounced dead from his injuries. His identity has not yet been publicly released, pending official family notification.
A Deadly Encounter Under Investigation
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing several loud bangs before seeing people running from the area. Surveillance footage from the QuikTrip and neighboring businesses is currently being reviewed by detectives.
Authorities have not yet released information about a possible suspect or motive, and no arrests have been announced as of Wednesday morning.
“We are treating this as an active homicide investigation,” said Lt. Michael Gainey, spokesperson for the Rock Hill Police Department. “This is a tragedy involving a child, and we are doing everything we can to piece together exactly what happened and who was responsible.”
Police are asking anyone who was in the area of South Cherry Road between 11:00 and midnight to come forward with any information, photos, or video footage that could assist in the investigation. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of York County.
A Community in Mourning
The teen’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Rock Hill community. Local residents and classmates of the victim have taken to social media to express their sorrow and disbelief. Several students who say they knew the victim described him as a “kind and funny person” who “didn’t deserve this.”
“He was just a kid, trying to make it,” said a friend who gathered with others outside the gas station to leave flowers and candles. “No one expects to get a call saying someone you care about was shot at a gas station.”
Rock Hill City Councilmember Derrick Lindsay also issued a statement early Wednesday:
“We are heartbroken by this senseless loss of life. We cannot allow this to become the norm. Our city must come together to find solutions to the violence plaguing our youth.”
A Broader Concern: Youth Gun Violence
This incident comes amid rising concerns about youth gun violence not only in Rock Hill but across the nation. Advocates and parents are urging local and state leaders to address what they say is a crisis affecting teens in every community.
Reverend Marcus Bell, who runs a youth outreach center in Rock Hill, said the shooting highlights the urgent need for intervention programs and community support.
“Our young people are being killed. Period. And we as adults need to do better. This isn’t just a police issue—it’s a societal issue.”
What’s Next
The Rock Hill Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and has asked the public for patience and cooperation.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to call Rock Hill Police at (803) 329-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers of York County at 1-877-409-4321. Anonymous online tips can also be submitted through www.yorkcrimestoppers.com.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends, and the entire Rock Hill community during this difficult time.