On January 1, 2026, a cherished resident of Spartanburg, South Carolina, 37-year-old Gregario Julian Lizama Tenorio, lost his life in a tragic shooting incident at the Spinx convenience store parking lot in the 1500 block of W.O. Ezell Boulevard.
The fatal event unfolded shortly after 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day when officers responded to reports of gunfire at the busy 24-hour location, a common stop for late-night travelers and locals along the busy corridor.
Police arrived to find the victim lying in the parking lot with gunshot wounds, and despite immediate first aid attempts by officers and first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:20 a.m. by the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office, marking a somber start to the new year in the Upstate community.
The incident stemmed from a rapidly escalating domestic-style altercation inside a silver Nissan sedan that had pulled into the parking lot and parked next to another vehicle. Witnesses described a physical fight breaking out between the driver and a rear-seat passenger within the sedan, with tensions quickly rising amid the late-night atmosphere.
Gregario, who had been living out of his vehicle at the time and was apparently parked nearby, stepped out of his own car to approach the sedan in an effort to intervene and de-escalate the confrontation. As he neared the rear of the vehicle, shots were fired, striking him and causing him to collapse immediately in front of the sedan.
The driver of the silver Nissan fled the scene right after the shooting, leaving the parking lot in haste while the victim lay mortally wounded. Officers secured the area, gathered witness statements, and collected evidence from the scene, including potential ballistic and forensic details to reconstruct the brief but deadly sequence of events.
Spartanburg Police Department investigators described the situation as one that evolved into deadly violence in mere moments, highlighting how quickly a dispute can turn tragic in a public space. The department has since identified all individuals involved in the vehicle, though no charges have been filed as of early reports, and the investigation remains active with calls for additional tips from the public.
This shooting took place at a familiar convenience store known for its round-the-clock service, gas pumps, and quick stops, often bustling even in the early morning hours. The location’s well-lit parking lot, typically seen as a safe haven for those passing through or resting briefly, became the site of unexpected violence that shocked nearby residents and employees.
Witnesses nearby initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks in the post-New Year’s Eve quiet, only to realize the severity when chaos unfolded. The rapid response by law enforcement underscored the unpredictable nature of such encounters, leaving the community to grapple with the loss of a man who stepped forward in a moment of conflict.
Gregario Julian Lizama Tenorio, at 37 years old, had been navigating life in Spartanburg while residing out of his vehicle, a circumstance that spoke to personal challenges amid the everyday demands of the region. The Upstate area, with its mix of industrial heritage, growing communities, and access to natural surroundings like nearby lakes and trails, offers a lifestyle centered on resilience and local connections for many residents.
In tribute to a life well lived, Gregario Julian Lizama Tenorio’s memory endures as a reminder of compassion extended even in difficult circumstances, leaving an impression on the Spartanburg community through the selfless impulse that defined his final act. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Spartanburg Police Department at 864-596-2065 or Crime Stoppers of Spartanburg at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
