In the pre-dawn hours of June 27, 2025, tragedy struck a home on Bethel Street in Spartanburg, South Carolina, claiming the life of 15-year-old Rahiem Taree Kelly, a Black male. Gunfire suddenly erupted, tearing through the house and fatally wounding the teenager while he was inside. When Spartanburg police officers arrived around 4:40 a.m., they discovered a trail of blood that led them to the second floor, where they found Rahiem with a gunshot wound.
He was rushed to Spartanburg Medical Center, but succumbed to his injuries.
Rahiem was a vibrant young man, known by loved ones as a comedian, a leader, and a protector. He was a compassionate and encouraging person who had a passion for sports, having been involved in football and basketball since the age of five. An upcoming sophomore at Dorman High School, he also enjoyed camping and fishing. His life was cut short in a place he should have been safest, leaving his family and community devastated. His mother recalled the terrifying moments she awoke to bullets flying through her bedroom and the frantic effort to find her children. She found Rahiem after he had been hit and tried to comfort him until help arrived.
In the wake of the shooting, witnesses reported seeing two people fleeing from the scene, heading toward Promised Land Drive and Kensington Drive. Despite investigations involving a K9 tracking team and assistance from the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, no arrests have been made in connection with Rahiem's murder. Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and capture of those responsible. A reward of $5,000 has been offered for tips that result in the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects. The case remains unsolved, leaving a grieving family and community searching for answers and justice.
