Suspects shoot up family’s home, killing 7-month-old baby asleep next to his mother

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Police in South Carolina are investigating after two suspects fired bullets into a family’s home, killing a 7-month-old baby as he slept next to his mother.

The Spartanburg Police Department responded to gunfire at an apartment along Collins Avenue around 4 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, officers follow a trail of blood into the home, where they found 7-month-old Zymir Demarco Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. The baby was later pronounced dead.

Police say Zymir was struck when two suspects fired bullets into his family’s home on both the first and second levels. The baby was asleep next to his mother at the time.

“It just broke my heart. All I could do was cry,” said the baby’s aunt, Karen Smith.

Officials said Monday the deadly shooting was targeted. Police say they’re investigating Zymir’s murder to the fullest, including if the shooting could be connected to other recent shootings in the area.

“There’s not anything that’s off the table. We are turning every stone,” said Major Art Littlejohn, a spokesperson for the Spartanburg Police Department. “No parent, no community, no family should have to experience something like this.”

As the investigation continues, Zymir’s family says they’re searching for justice.

“Whoever has done this needs to turn themself in because this is senseless,” Smith said. “I wish you would just come forward. Just come forward because this is a child that lost his life.”

Smith says one of her favorite memories of Zymir will always be him in his bouncy chair.

“He was so cute and adorable, and I just couldn’t imagine someone doing that to an innocent child. He was a happy, cheerful butterball. He loved to watch cartoons, and he loved to eat,” she said.

Many people in the community say Zymir’s murder has shaken them to the core.

“I couldn’t imagine. That’s somebody’s baby. They never got to experience life,” a neighbor said. “I’ve seen the mom come out and was like, ‘My baby. I wish I could hold my baby, kiss my baby.’ All that. Hearing her break down broke me down.”

As the community works to recover, many say they will help get justice for Zymir.

“Everybody help find the person or people who shot this lady’s apartment up,” a neighbor said. “Hug your babies tight and live every day like it’s your last because you never know.”

This case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Spartanburg Police Department at 864-596-2065. Tips can be submitted anonymously.