SPARTANBURG, S.C.— The Spartanburg community is mourning the tragic and untimely loss of Thomas Raheem, 32, whose life was taken in a deadly shooting Tuesday evening at a vape shop on East Main Street. What began as an ordinary evening quickly turned into a moment of irreversible heartbreak, leaving family members, friends, and loved ones struggling to comprehend a loss that has shaken the city.
According to the Spartanburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to The Burg Tobacco and Vape around 7:10 p.m. following reports of a fight that escalated into gunfire. Upon arrival, officers observed a dark-colored Honda Accord attempting to leave the parking lot. The driver exited the vehicle and surrendered peacefully, while two other individuals inside the car were detained as part of the initial investigation.
Inside the store, officers made a devastating discovery. Thomas Raheem was found suffering from two gunshot wounds. Despite rapid emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity, and a forensic autopsy was scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of death.
As investigators worked to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, they learned that an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were inside the store when Raheem entered. Police say an argument between Raheem and the 18-year-old escalated into a physical altercation. During that confrontation, Raheem was shot multiple times, sustaining fatal injuries. Authorities confirmed that the 16-year-old was not injured in the incident.
Following the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for Jayvion Deqwan Legg, 18, who has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. According to arrest documents, Legg allegedly shot Raheem multiple times in the chest area. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue working to establish all circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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.”
Beyond the investigation and legal process, the loss of Thomas Raheem is being felt deeply by those who knew and loved him. His death leaves behind unanswered questions, unfulfilled dreams, and a profound sense of sorrow. Loved ones remember him not for the manner in which his life ended, but for the life he lived—the memories he created, the relationships he built, and the presence he held in their lives.
This tragedy has reignited conversations throughout Spartanburg about violence, conflict, and the lasting consequences of moments driven by anger. As the community reflects and grieves, there is a collective hope that justice will be served and that future tragedies may be prevented.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Thomas Raheem. May they find strength, comfort, and peace as they honor his memory and navigate the difficult days ahead.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Spartanburg Police Department at (864) 596-2065. Authorities stress that even the smallest detail may help bring clarity and justice in this heartbreaking case. 🕊️
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