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Incident currently under investigation

POLK COUNTY– A shooting occurred Friday night, March 10, at a Polk County residence that claimed the life of Talia Petoia, 27 of Tryon. She was pronounced dead at Spartanburg Regional Hospital.

Petoia was a 2014 graduate of Polk County High School and graduated from UNC-Charlotte in 2022. She was employed at Harper Eatery and Pub in downtown Tryon.

According to Petoia’s mother, Julie Daniels, Petoia was allegedly shot by her boyfriend, Tyler Laughter, who she said claims that the incident allegedly occurred while he was cleaning a firearm. Daniels alleges that the relationship between Laughter and Petoia had a history of domestic violence.

Detective Huckabee with PCSO said that all evidence currently points to the incident being accidental and that criminal charges will be pending. The shooting is under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday morning. Anyone with information regarding the shooting should call Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 828-894-3001, and ask to speak to Detective Huckabee.

This is a developing story and the Tryon Daily Bulletin will update coverage as more information becomes available.