Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a December 1, 2025, shooting at a McDonald’s on East Frederick Street in Gaffney, South Carolina, while two 18-year-olds remain at large. The incident injured three suspects and an innocent bystander in his vehicle, with arrests following review of surveillance footage by prosecutors on January 30, 2026.
Incident Overview
Police responded around 4 p.m. to the parking lot, where they found two shooting victims initially; a third arrived at Cherokee Medical Center later that evening. All sustained serious injuries, but no fatalities were reported. The shooting involved multiple gunfire exchanges into occupied vehicles.
Arrested Suspects
- Isaiah Marquis Smith: Taken into custody Monday; charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. Denied bond.
- Cortrell Rashard Tate: Arrested Monday; faces three counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, and two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. Denied bond.
- Jaubron Cord’e Tate: Turned himself in Wednesday; charged with attempted murder, four counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, aggravated breach of peace, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Denied bond.
Suspects at Large
Authorities seek Elijah Eugene Fonnah and David Elijah Allen Jr., both 18. Contact Major Brian Blanton at the Gaffney Police Department (864-206-3334) or 911 with tips.
