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GAFFNEY, S.C. (WYFF) — A student was shot and killed at a bus stop in Gaffney, South Carolina, on Wednesday morning.
Student shot at bus stop identified
The shooting happened on West Rutledge Avenue near Granard Court apartments, according to Gaffney Mayor Dr. Lyman Dawkins III.
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr., 17, had walked from his apartment just across the street from the bus stop at 6:49 a.m. and was about to get on the bus when another male approached him.
Fowler said after a short altercation, Fair was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Fowler, video surveillance cameras on the bus show the shooter flee to a waiting vehicle driven by another person immediately after the incident.
“This is an absolute tragedy. It’s a sad world when our children cannot be safe while going to school. My heart is heavy for this student’s family and those 15 students who were on board the bus and witnessed this heinous crime,” Fowler said.
WYFF News 4 spoke with Fowler Tuesday afternoon.
“You’ve got a senior that is going into his third day of class and it’s tragically ended,” Fowler told WYFF News 4’s Brad Broders.
He went on to say, “Not only that, but you have 15 other school students on the bus, who are middle school and elementary school students, who witnessed something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. A hideous crime that they witnessed that they will always talk about and they will tell their grandchildren about it .”
Fowler said he was with the school district, as well as, Fair’s mother and grandmother.
“There is absolutely nothing good that comes out of this, but we can only pray for them,”
Fowler said. “Think about them and lift them up because this is a tragic time and they will be going through a lot, not only emotionally but physically in the coming days.”
SLED requested to be part of investigation
The SLED Special Victims Unit (SVU) – Department of Child Fatalities was requested this morning (8/12/2026) by the Gaffney Police Department to assist in a death investigation following a shooting in Gaffney, SC.
The Department of Child Fatalities conducts investigations on all deaths in the state of children (under the age of 18) that are the result of violence, in any suspicious or unusual manner, or when the death is unexpected or unexplained.
The investigation is active and ongoing. More information may be available in the future.
Gaffney mayor releases statements on bus stop shooting
Gaffney Mayor Dr. Lyman Dawkins III released the following statement:
“There was a shooting this morning on West Rutledge Ave at or near Granard Court apartments. Unfortunately, and sadly the victim is deceased. Gaffney police are investigating and the area is still an active crime scene. I will provide more information when available.”
He later posted the following message on Facebook:
“My heart is broken over the tragic news of the shooting this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this senseless violence. Our community is hurting, and this violence has to stop. We ALL have a responsibility to keep fighting against it and do whatever it takes to protect our young people and one another. I am willing to do whatever is necessary and work with anyone committed to solutions. To our youth, violence is not the answer! One decision can change your life, another person’s life, and two families forever. We cannot accept it as normal. Gaffney, we must keep working together, loving one another, and fighting for the safety and future of our community and youth.”
Cherokee County School District releases statement on shooting
“We are aware of the shooting that occurred near a school bus stop. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident. Law enforcement is actively handling the situation, and there is no current danger to our schools or students based on the information available to us at this time. Schools will continue to operate with appropriate safety measures in place. We understand that incidents like this can be frightening for students, families, and staff. The district is working closely with law enforcement and will provide additional information as it becomes available. We encourage families to rely on official district and law enforcement communications for updates and to avoid sharing unverified information.”
Gaffney police release statement on shooting
Gaffney police posted the following on Facebook about 8:20 a.m.:
“The Gaffney Police Department is currently working an active crime scene in the 500 block of West Rutledge Avenue. We are asking members of the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes while officers continue their investigation. This remains a very active scene, and additional law enforcement activity should be expected in the area. The Gaffney Police Department is working closely with the Cherokee County School District as we continue to manage this incident and ensure the safety of our community, students, and school personnel. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional details are being released at this time. More information will be provided when it is appropriate to do so and when its release will not interfere with the ongoing investigation. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”
Witness accounts
The manager of Head Start, which is near the scene, told WYFF News 4’s Naomi Popa that the coroner was at the scene after a student had been waiting for a school bus.
The manager said the shooting did not involve any Head Start students.
County officials post message on Facebook about shooting:
The Cherokee County, South Carolina, Facebook page posted the following message about the shooting:
“Our hearts are heavy this morning as our community mourns the tragic loss of a young life. Cherokee County extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. There are simply no words that can ease the heartbreak of a family or a community facing a loss like this. As we keep this student’s loved ones and our school community in our thoughts and prayers, we also ask that you remember the first responders who answered the call this morning — all law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, EMS personnel, firefighters, and others who responded and continue to work through this tragedy. Our first responders are called into moments most of us hope never to witness. They carry the responsibility of protecting our community while also experiencing the human weight of the scenes they encounter.Today, we hurt together as one Cherokee County community.Please keep this family, our students and school staff, our first responders, and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.”
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