Tragedy in Spartanburg County: Tyrice Eugene Ervin, 34, Shot and Killed in Broad Daylight — Suspect Dontae Keishawn Elliott, 25, Arrested After Allegedly Confessing at Scene
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A quiet neighborhood in Clifton was turned into a crime scene Wednesday afternoon after a man was fatally shot in broad daylight, and deputies say the suspect admitted to the shooting at the scene.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 34-year-old Tyrice Eugene Ervin of Boiling Springs. Emergency responders were called to the 400 block of South Main Street just before 4:30 p.m., where they found Ervin lying in the side yard of a house, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after first responders arrived.
According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, 25-year-old Dontae Keishawn Elliott was found at the location and taken into custody without incident. Deputies say Elliott told them he was the one who shot Ervin. He has since been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Investigators believe Elliott and Ervin knew each other, though a clear motive has not yet been established. The incident is being treated as a targeted act of violence, and authorities emphasize there is no threat to the general public.
Evidence Collected at the Scene
Deputies and crime scene investigators spent hours at the location collecting physical evidence and documenting the scene. Witnesses told investigators they heard gunfire but did not see the confrontation unfold. The weapon believed to have been used was recovered nearby.
“This was not a random act,” said a sheriff’s office spokesperson. “We’re continuing to investigate the relationship between the two individuals and what led to this deadly outcome.”
Autopsy Confirms Homicide
An autopsy was scheduled to be performed on Thursday at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. The coroner confirmed that Ervin died from multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death as homicide.
“This is a tragic and violent loss of life,” said Coroner Rusty Clevenger. “We extend our condolences to Mr. Ervin’s loved ones as this case moves forward.”
Suspect Awaiting Court Appearance
Elliott is currently being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. A bond hearing has not yet been scheduled. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal counsel.
Community in Shock
Neighbors said they were stunned by the violence, especially since it occurred in broad daylight in a residential area known for its peace and quiet.
“To see something like this happen right across the street is surreal,” said one Clifton resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s usually a calm place to live. It makes you feel uneasy.”
Ongoing Investigation
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of South Carolina at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
As investigators work to understand what led to the deadly encounter, family and friends of Tyrice Eugene Ervin are left grieving and demanding justice.