A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Greenville community as 18-year-old Avias Mackenzie Neal died Sunday evening after being found with a gunshot wound in the parking lot of Haywood Mall, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Officials say they were called to the scene around 6:50 p.m. following reports of a gunshot. Upon arrival, they discovered Neal suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Greenville Police Department told WYFF News 4 that the incident is currently being investigated as a possible suicide, though the official manner of death has not yet been determined. The coroner’s office has confirmed that the case remains open and under active investigation.
However, Avias’ grieving family strongly denies the suggestion that the teen took his own life.
His mother, Shervai Lenise Durham, took to social media with an emotional outpouring of grief, disbelief, and a promise to seek justice for her son.
“I can’t believe y’all took my child away from me… Avias, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. My heart aches so bad. I don’t know what to think or feel but just know I’m going to fight to get your justice,” she wrote. “I love you so much and Avias, rest in peace baby.”
Durham, heartbroken and publicly mourning, also shared the deep bond she had with her son — a connection she says was unlike anything else.
“No one understands that I really lost my best friend… Our bond was different than with my other children,” she shared. “If I was sick, he’d drop off medicine and our favorite Gatorade… His birthday is just 19 days away. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get through life without Avias.”
She referred to him lovingly as “Snacks,” a nickname that carried warmth and memories.
Family members and friends are also expressing sorrow and disbelief.
Thatmfdeal Jones, a relative, described the moment they received the tragic phone call.
“Getting that phone call just broke me down all while doing your little sister’s hair… The family all tore up. I hate seeing my baby like that,” Jones wrote. “I’m glad I got to see you Saturday and we hung out. We both smiled at each other. I always told you — stay out the way, get a job, get some money. It was always ‘love you cuz.’ Dang, man.”
The incident has left many questions unanswered and a family devastated. As they await more information from investigators, the community continues to grieve the loss of a young man described as respectful, loving, and loyal — someone who always tried to make his family proud.
The Greenville Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the case to come forward as the investigation continues.