Greenville, S.C., August 5, 2025
News Summary
An 18-year-old man, Avias Mackenzie Neal, was fatally shot in the parking lot of Haywood Mall, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Meanwhile, two deputies were injured in a separate training incident involving live ammunition, raising serious concerns about safety protocols. As the community grapples with the impact of these incidents, local officials emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures and transparency in both investigations.
Greenville, S.C. – An 18-year-old man was fatally shot in the parking lot of Haywood Mall on Sunday evening. The incident prompted a swift response from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, which was alerted after an emergency call about a gunshot at approximately 6:50 p.m. First responders arrived at the scene to find the victim, later identified as Avias Mackenzie Neal from Greenville, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Neal was promptly transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday to determine the precise cause of death. The circumstances surrounding Neal’s death remain under investigation, with local authorities considering the possibility of suicide as a factor in the ongoing inquiry.
This tragic occurrence unfolds alongside another incident involving local law enforcement. On Tuesday, two deputies were injured during a training exercise in a vacant building on Wade Hampton Boulevard around 2 p.m. Both deputies were struck by a round and immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention. One of the deputies required surgical intervention, while both are expected to recover from their injuries.
An internal investigation has been launched to ascertain how live ammunition ended up being used during a training exercise. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols, as a national law enforcement expert noted that utilizing live rounds in training exercises heightens liability risks. Local officials, including Sheriff Hobart Lewis, called upon the community to offer support to the affected deputies and their families. Furthermore, Greenville County Councilman Benton Blount expressed his concerns about the need for transparency in the investigation and emphasized the importance of improving safety measures in training environments.
While the investigation into Neal’s death and the sheriff’s department training incident unfolds, the community has been encouraged to remain vigilant and supportive during this difficult time. Overall, these events underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols both within the community and law enforcement training contexts, highlighting the complex challenges faced in maintaining public safety.
Background on the Shooting
The shooting at Haywood Mall is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to Neal’s death and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Concerns Over Training Safety
The recent injury of the deputies during a training exercise brings to light the imperative to evaluate and enhance training safety protocols. The involvement of live ammunition has raised red flags within the law enforcement community, prompting calls for a thorough examination of existing procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Haywood Mall parking lot?
An 18-year-old man, Avias Mackenzie Neal, was shot and killed in the parking lot of Haywood Mall. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which may be classified as a possible suicide.
What is known about the injured deputies?
Two deputies were injured during a training exercise when they were struck by rounds. One deputy required surgery, while both are expected to recover. An internal investigation is underway to determine how live rounds were present during the training.
What actions are being taken regarding training safety?
Local officials are advocating for a review and improvement of safety protocols regarding training exercises, particularly in relation to the use of live ammunition to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of all involved.
Key Features Chart
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Incident | 18-year-old Avias Mackenzie Neal shot in Haywood Mall parking lot |
| Response | Coroner’s Office and first responders arrived; Neal pronounced dead at hospital |
| Investigation | Ongoing investigation into circumstances of death; possible suicide being explored |
| Deputy Injuries | Two deputies injured during a training exercise; one required surgery |
| Training Safety Concerns | Internal investigation into use of live rounds; emphasis on improving safety protocols |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Man Dead After Haywood Mall Parking Lot Shooting
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- WYFF 4: Haywood Mall Parking Lot Death
- Google Search: Haywood Mall shooting Greenville
- ABC 11: Greenville Police Officers Injured
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
- WITN: Teacher Remembers 13-Year-Old Student Killed
- Google News: Greenville shooting
- WIS TV: Greenville Deputies Shot During Training Exercise
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
