June 28, 2025

23-Year-Old Arrested for Murder and Animal Cruelty in Clinton

News Summary

Stephen Kristopher Brown, 23, has been arrested in Clinton, S.C., charged with murder and animal cruelty after the body of Hector Cartagena was found in their home. Brown allegedly concealed the body in a closet and has faced additional charges related to animal abuse. Following a welfare check prompted by concerned neighbors, authorities confirmed a homicide investigation. Brown is currently held without bond, with a court appearance set for August.

Clinton, S.C. – A 23-year-old man, Stephen Kristopher Brown, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including murder and animal cruelty, following a welfare check conducted by the Clinton Police Department on June 25. The check was prompted by concerns from neighbors who had not seen one of the home’s occupants for over a week.

Officers arrived at the residence located at 119 Popular Street, where they uncovered the body of a deceased individual identified as Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, a 59-year-old male from Clinton. Subsequent investigations revealed that Brown, a roommate of the victim, had wrapped Cartagena’s body in a blanket and concealed it in a bedroom closet, where it had begun to decompose.

Brown was detained at the scene after it was confirmed that the nature of the victim’s death was homicide. In addition to the murder charge, he faces accusations of desecration of human remains and ill treatment of animals, stemming from the brutal killing of a dog, which he allegedly beat, stomped on, and slammed to the ground.

The charges against Brown are as follows:

Murder
Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime
Desecration of Human Remains
Ill Treatment of Animals

Following his arrest, Brown was taken to the Johnson Detention Center, where he has been denied bond. A court appearance has been scheduled for Brown in the general sessions courtroom on August 1. The investigation into the case remains active, with authorities reporting no known threat to the public at this time.

The case began when officers responded to reports from concerned neighbors, a testament to the role of community vigilance in addressing potential issues. The police are encouraging anyone with further information about the case to reach out to the Clinton Police Department at 864-833-7512 or to contact Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the tragic occurrences that can unfold in domestic settings and the importance of timely intervention. The charges filed against Brown underscore the serious nature of the alleged crimes, as law enforcement continues to investigate the details surrounding the victim’s death and the conditions within the residence.

The community is left in shock as they grapple with the disturbing events that transpired within their midst. Authorities are committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the case and ensuring justice is served.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.