In the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, a vibrant life was tragically cut short on May 26, 2024. William Shamari Slade, a 27-year-old man known to his loved ones as a hardworking, loving, and passionate individual, was fatally shot following an argument. The incident unfolded near Falls Park, a popular and scenic area of the city, forever marking the location with a somber memory.
Slade, a graduate of Palmetto High School in Williamston, was remembered for his goofy and
athletic nature, with a spirit that could light up a room. He was a family man who cherished spending quality time with his relatives and was known for never missing a family gathering. His interests were diverse, ranging from skating and swimming to creating musical beats and snowboarding. He was pursuing his CDL and foster care licenses, hoping to mentor and help as many children as possible, a testament to his selfless nature.
The night of the shooting, an argument that began inside the 821 Greenville bar spilled out into the street. It was there that Brian Murray allegedly shot William Slade in the chest. Police say the two men knew each other, though the exact motive for the altercation remains under investigation. After the shooting, Murray fled the scene in a vehicle, leading police on a chase before he was apprehended.
Brian Murray was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He has been denied bond on two separate occasions, with the court deeming him a flight risk and a danger to the community, especially given that the shooting occurred in a busy downtown area on a holiday weekend. A second individual, Jhiytavious Brown, was also arrested in connection with the incident. Brown faces a charge of breach of peace for allegedly firing a weapon during the altercation, which struck the window of a nearby apartment. Fortunately, no one else was injured by that gunfire. The bar near where the shooting occurred, 821 Greenville, had its permit revoked by the city in the aftermath of the violence. The family of William Shamari Slade, including his young daughter, now mourns the loss of a man described as the 'life of the party' who was loved by everyone.
