On a summer evening in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the life of 24-year-old Jaquante Donell Burris was tragically cut short. On July 23, 2021, Burris, a Black male, was the victim of a fatal drive-by shooting that unfolded on Palisade Street. The violent episode also claimed the life of 28-year-old Travoiris Antoine Gentry and left two other individuals wounded.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m.
when a vehicle, described by witnesses as a mid-to-large-sized white SUV, drove by and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Reports from the scene indicated that the shots were fired from the back seat of the vehicle. In the immediate aftermath, emergency services transported Burris to Spartanburg Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Gentry was also taken to the same hospital, where he too was pronounced dead.
Jaquante Donell Burris was remembered by those who knew him as a lovable and funny person. His passing left a void in the lives of his family and friends. In the days following the shooting, the community mourned the senseless loss of two young men.
Despite the initial investigation by the Spartanburg Police Department and pleas from family members for those responsible to come forward, the case has grown cold. As of late 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Jaquante Donell Burris and Travoiris Antoine Gentry, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, leaving a community and two families searching for answers and justice. The case stands as a painful reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence.
