In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 13th, at approximately 1:28 a.m., officers with the Gaffney Police Department were dispatched to the Cherokee Medical Center following the arrival of a gunshot victim brought in by private vehicle. The victim, identified as 46-year-old Joshua Euron Wood, was initially stabilized at Cherokee Medical Center before being transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Despite medical efforts, Wood succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
Following a preliminary investigation, authorities were able to determine that the shooting occurred in a parking lot located directly across from the Event Hall at 111 E. Birnie Street in downtown Gaffney. The incident happened during a time when the area was bustling with activity due to ongoing Peach Festival events—a popular annual celebration that draws large crowds and a significant law enforcement presence.
Notably, despite the large number of festivalgoers and the heightened police presence nearby, the Gaffney Police Department did not receive any immediate 911 calls or reports related to gunfire from the vicinity of the shooting. This delay in notification may have impacted the initial response time and is a critical detail in the ongoing investigation.
The Gaffney Police Department has since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wood’s death. Detectives are working diligently to gather evidence, review surveillance footage from the surrounding area, and identify any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident.
Authorities are now urging the public for assistance. Anyone who was in or around the Event Hall or the general area of E. Birnie Street during the time of the shooting is asked to come forward with any information—no matter how small it may seem. Detectives believe eyewitness accounts or cellphone videos from the scene could be vital in piecing together the events that led to this tragic loss of life.
“This was a senseless act of violence that occurred during a time when our community should have been coming together to celebrate,” said a spokesperson from the Gaffney Police Department. “We are committed to finding those responsible, and we ask the community to assist us in this effort.”
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Detective John Neal at (864)-206-3341 or Major Brian Blanton at (864)-206-3334. All calls will be handled with discretion, and anonymity can be requested.
As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time. Updates will be provided by the Gaffney Police Department as new information becomes available.
The Gaffney Police Department extends its condolences to the family and friends of Joshua Euron Wood during this difficult time.
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