Rock Hill Man Convicted of Murder in Speedway Shooting

Lancaster Motor Speedway, September 13, 2025

News Summary

Bryan Terrell Mitchell has been convicted of murder following a shooting at Lancaster Motor Speedway that resulted in the death of Rodney Cunningham. The jury found him guilty after deliberating for two hours. Mitchell, sentenced to 35 years in prison, was also convicted of firearm possession in relation to the crime. The tragic event has left a significant impact on Cunningham’s family and the community.

Rock Hill Man Convicted of Murder Following Fatal Shooting at Lancaster Motor Speedway

A Rock Hill man, Bryan Terrell Mitchell, has been convicted of murder for a shooting that took place at the Lancaster Motor Speedway over three years ago. The verdict was reached on September 12 after a jury trial that lasted four days.

The case stems from an incident on August 27, 2022, during the Steven Johnson Memorial Race, in which Rodney Cunningham, age 53, was shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The jury had the option to convict Mitchell of either murder or voluntary manslaughter, but ultimately determined that he was guilty of the more serious charge of murder.

In addition to the murder conviction, Mitchell was found guilty of possession of a firearm while committing a violent crime. Prosecutors sought a life sentence for Mitchell, but Judge Vernon Dunbar sentenced him to 30 years for the murder and five years for the firearm possession, to be served consecutively, resulting in a total of 35 years in prison.

The jury deliberated for about two hours before arriving at their guilty verdict. Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis expressed sympathy for the Cunningham family, emphasizing the hope that the resolution of the case would help them in their healing process.

Details Surrounding the Incident

The shooting reportedly arose from an argument at the front gate of the speedway concerning entry issues related to a wristband. Witnesses, including Larissa Moore, noted that Mitchell exhibited aggressive behavior when he was denied entry to the event.

Cunningham was shot multiple times during the altercation. Following the shooting, law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, identifying Mitchell after he was observed acting suspiciously at a local convenience store the following day. Mitchell was arrested on August 28, 2022, after he admitted to shooting Cunningham.

Impact on Cunningham’s Family

Cunningham’s family characterized him as a caring person with a big heart, leaving behind six children and seven grandchildren. His daughter, Madison Cunningham, shared that her father’s death has been a traumatic event that has deeply affected their family. His wife, Kim Cunningham, expressed profound grief over her husband’s loss, highlighting the repercussions of this tragic event on their family and the wider community.

Defense Argument and Verdict Outcomes

During the trial, Mitchell’s defense team attempted to argue that he acted in self-defense, suggesting that a physical altercation precipitated the shooting. However, the jury did not find this argument convincing. Ultimately, they determined that Mitchell was guilty of the charges against him, leading to his current lengthy prison sentence.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in the investigation, ensuring thorough examination of the events leading up to Cunningham’s death. Their efforts led to the swift arrest of Mitchell and the eventual conviction.

Conclusion

This case underscores the tragic consequences that can arise from violence and disputes, leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. As the Cunningham family continues to seek healing, the judicial process seeks to ensure accountability for such actions.

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Additional Resources

• WBTV
• Wikipedia: Shooting
• WSOC TV
• Google Search: Lancaster Motor Speedway shooting
• WCNC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• QC News
• Google News: Lancaster Motor Speedway shooting

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