SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Authorities have identified those involved in a deadly shooting at a vape shop on East Main Street, an incident that claimed the life of 32-year-old Thomas Raheem and led to the arrest of 18-year-old Jayvion Deqwan Legg, according to the Spartanburg Police Department. The case remains under investigation as the community grapples with another act of sudden and devastating violence.
Police said officers were dispatched to The Burg Tobacco and Vape on Tuesday evening at approximately 7:10 p.m. following reports of a fight that escalated into gunfire. When officers arrived at the scene, they observed a dark-colored Honda Accord attempting to leave the parking lot. The driver exited the vehicle and surrendered without incident. Two other individuals inside the vehicle were detained by officers as part of the initial response.
Moments later, officers discovered a man inside the store suffering from two gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Thomas Raheem, 32. A forensic autopsy has been scheduled to further determine the cause and manner of death.
Following a detailed investigation, police determined that an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were inside the vape shop when Raheem entered the business. According to investigators, an argument broke out between Raheem and the 18-year-old, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, Raheem was shot multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the 16-year-old was not injured during the incident.
Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained for Jayvion Deqwan Legg, 18, charging him with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. According to the warrants, Legg allegedly shot Raheem multiple times in the chest area, resulting in fatal injuries.
“This was a violent and tragic incident that resulted in the loss of life,” said Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department. “Our investigators worked tirelessly to gather the facts and evidence needed to bring this case forward.”
The shooting has left the Spartanburg community shaken, raising renewed concerns about violence involving young individuals and the devastating consequences that can unfold in moments of anger and conflict. Family members and loved ones of Thomas Raheem are now mourning his death, while investigators continue working to ensure accountability and clarity surrounding the events of that night.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Spartanburg Police Department at (864) 596-2065. Authorities say even the smallest detail could assist in the ongoing investigation as they work toward justice in this tragic case.
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