Greenville, South Carolina, August 6, 2025
News Summary
An investigation is underway in Greenville after 18-year-old Avias Mackenzie Neal was found fatally wounded in Haywood Mall’s parking lot. Despite medical assistance, Neal died shortly after reaching the hospital. The case remains under investigation, with authorities appealing for public assistance while examining the circumstances surrounding his death. Community activists are advocating for answers as safety concerns rise at the mall, which recently enhanced security measures due to previous incidents.
Greenville, South Carolina – An investigation is underway following the tragic death of 18-year-old Avias Mackenzie Neal, who was found with a gunshot wound in the parking lot of Haywood Mall. The Greenville Police Department received multiple 911 calls around 6:50 p.m. on a Sunday, reporting a victim of a gunshot wound. Initial reports suggest that the shooting may have been self-inflicted.
Despite immediate medical assistance, Neal was transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Community activist Traci Fant, who is collaborating with Neal’s family, has stated that they are in search of answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Evidence collected at the scene includes personal belongings, such as Neal’s shoes and food, which were reportedly found a significant distance from his vehicle, raising questions about the events leading to the incident. Neal was a native of the Upstate and was expected to graduate soon, with his birthday approaching on August 23.
As the investigation unfolds, the Greenville Police Department has noted that the manner of Neal’s death is currently undetermined. The police are also looking into various rumors circulating through the community and on social media regarding the incident. Detectives are committed to gathering the facts and providing clarity to Neal’s family.
Authorities have reached out to the public for any assistance in the investigation. They are urging anyone with relevant information or video footage related to the incident to contact the Greenville Police Department at 864-467-5371 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 864-23-CRIME.
In light of this incident, the management of Haywood Mall, which is operated by Simon Property Group, has not yet responded to requests for comment. This shooting incident comes just a few months after the mall announced an enhancement of its security measures following a previous assault and shooting that had occurred in June. These measures included around-the-clock surveillance and an increase in police patrols.
Between January and June of this year, the Greenville Police Department reported receiving a total of 450 calls related to Haywood Mall, highlighting concerns about safety in the area. The coroner has confirmed that Neal’s case marks the only death recorded on the mall property since 2022.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, authorities are working diligently to uncover the facts surrounding Neal’s death and ensure that justice is served.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Avias Mackenzie Neal?
Avias Mackenzie Neal, an 18-year-old, was found in the parking lot of Haywood Mall with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead after being transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the manner of Neal’s death is currently undetermined. Police are looking into various rumors and are collecting evidence and information from the public.
How can the public help with the investigation?
Authorities are asking anyone who has any relevant information or video footage related to the incident to contact the Greenville Police Department at 864-467-5371 or call Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Gunshot wound |
| Victim | Avias Mackenzie Neal, 18 years old |
| Location | Haywood Mall parking lot, Greenville, SC |
| Time of Incident | 6:50 p.m. on a Sunday |
| Response | Multiple 911 calls; police and medical response |
| Current Status | Investigation active; manner of death undetermined |
| Public Assistance | Calls for information and video footage |
| Historical Context | Only death recorded at the mall since 2022; recent security improvements made |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting at Haywood Mall Leaves Community Reeling
Tragic Shooting Incident at Haywood Mall Claims Young Life
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Haywood Mall Death Investigation
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Man Dead After Haywood Mall Shooting
- Google Search: Haywood Mall shooting
- WITN: Police Investigating Shooting in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting Incident
- WNCT: Investigation Underway Following Deadly Shooting
- Google News: Greenville shooting investigation
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.
