Greenville, September 13, 2025
News Summary
A jury in Greenville has found Bralen Elijah Barksdale guilty of murdering 19-year-old Nijel Sullivan. The incident occurred in a motel parking lot, where Barksdale fired multiple shots into Sullivan’s vehicle. He has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, highlighting concerns about youth violence and gun crime in the community.
Greenville – A jury has convicted 24-year-old Bralen Elijah Barksdale of murder following the shooting death of 19-year-old Nijel Sullivan in a motel parking lot. The shooting incident took place on May 5, 2020, at the Inn Town Suites along Mauldin Road in Greenville.
During the confrontation, Barksdale fired a .45 caliber handgun at Sullivan, hitting him multiple times while Sullivan was seated in his vehicle. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Barksdale discharged a total of twelve rounds into Sullivan’s car as Sullivan attempted to escape by driving away from the scene. After the shooting, Barksdale fled, abandoning both his handgun and cell phone in his attempt to evade law enforcement.
The Greenville County jury found Barksdale guilty of several charges including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Following the conviction, he has been sentenced to 40 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. This sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and the impact it has had on the victim’s family and the community.
In the trial, Assistant Solicitors Seth Redus Johnson and Grace Moroney shared evidence that included witness statements, forensic data, and the ballistic analysis of the shots fired, all of which contributed to the jury’s decision. The prosecution rigorously outlined the events leading to Sullivan’s tragic death, emphasizing the violent nature of the act and its devastating effects.
Incident Details
- Date: May 5, 2020
- Location: Inn Town Suites, Mauldin Road, Greenville
- Victim: Nijel Sullivan, 19 years old
- Defendant: Bralen Elijah Barksdale, 24 years old
- Weapon Used: .45 caliber handgun
- Shots Fired: 12 times into Sullivan’s vehicle
- Verdict: Guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Sentencing: 40 years in South Carolina Department of Corrections
Context of the Incident
The shooting highlighted ongoing concerns about violence in Greenville, particularly among young people. The case underscores the potential consequences of gun violence and has prompted discussions in the community about safety and crime prevention measures. The tragic loss of Njiel Sullivan at such a young age has left a lasting impact on his family and friends, as well as the wider community.
Legal Overview
South Carolina has strict laws regarding gun violence and illegal possession of weapons. The conviction of Barksdale reflects the legal system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. This case also serves to illustrate the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in addressing serious criminal acts and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
FAQ Section
What was the incident that led to Barksdale’s conviction?
Bralen Elijah Barksdale was convicted for shooting and killing Nijel Sullivan in a motel parking lot on May 5, 2020. Barksdale fired twelve shots into Sullivan’s vehicle while Sullivan was attempting to escape.
What charges was Barksdale convicted of?
Barksdale was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
What was his sentence?
Barksdale received a 40-year sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
What evidence was presented during the trial?
The trial included witness statements, forensic evidence, and ballistic analysis linking Barksdale to the crime.
What is the significance of this case for the community?
The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence among youth in Greenville and generates discussions on community safety and crime prevention.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Bralen Elijah Barksdale |
| Victim | Nijel Sullivan |
| Date of Incident | May 5, 2020 |
| Location | Inn Town Suites, Mauldin Road, Greenville |
| Charges | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Verdict | Guilty |
| Sentence | 40 years in South Carolina Department of Corrections |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Man Sentenced
- WYFF4: Greenville Motel Parking Lot Murder Conviction
- ABC News: Rose Petals Blade Pianist Confesses
- Wikipedia: Crime in South Carolina
- Google Search: Gun Violence in Greenville
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.
