News Summary

Clinton, South Carolina, is facing multiple investigations into homicide cases as community concerns rise over safety and law enforcement’s response. Two murder cases involve the deaths of Hector Luis Santos Cartagena and MyAngel Walker, prompting public outrage and demands for justice. A rally is being organized to address the frustrations surrounding unsolved cases and advocate for greater accountability. The community is also emphasizing the need for awareness regarding domestic abuse in light of these tragic events.

Clinton, SC Investigates Murder and Homicide Cases Amid Ongoing Community Outcry

Clinton, South Carolina, is grappling with a series of violent incidents, prompting investigations into multiple homicide cases. The police department is actively working on two separate murder investigations as community members express growing concerns over safety and the perceived inadequacy of the response from law enforcement in addressing these serious crimes.

Murder Charges Filed in Two Distinct Cases

In one investigation, authorities discovered the body of 59-year-old Hector Luis Santos Cartagena during a welfare check at a residence, following reports from neighbors who had not seen him for over a week. His roommate, 23-year-old Stephen Kristopher Brown, has been charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals. Brown is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings.

In a separate case, 18-year-old MyAngel Walker was reported missing by her family after she was last seen in Clinton. Police later found her deceased in a vehicle near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County, with the cause of death determined to be from a gunshot wound. Malachi Pressley, 19, has been charged with her murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Additionally, Taylor Kinard, also 19, has been charged as an accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting Pressley in disposing of Walker’s body. The Clinton Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Walker’s death.

Community Response and Action

The Clinton community has been vocal in its demand for justice, particularly concerning the case of Kaden Moses, a 14-year-old boy whose death, ruled a homicide, has left family members and community members frustrated over a lack of progress in legal proceedings. Kaden was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head on December 30, 2023. Despite the coroner’s ruling of homicide, no charges have been filed to date, causing concern among the victim’s family and local residents.

In response to growing frustration, a rally is being organized outside the Laurens County Courthouse to demand accountability and further action regarding Kaden’s case. Community members have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest that may be hindering the prosecution process, prompting calls for the case to be transferred to a special prosecutor or for the matter to be presented to a grand jury. A petition advocating for justice in Kaden’s case has garnered significant public support and has been directed to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Calls for Awareness on Domestic Abuse

The tragic cases have also sparked dialogues around domestic abuse, particularly following Walker’s death. Her mother has been emphasizing the dire need for community awareness and resources for those facing domestic violence situations. The connection between the community’s call for justice and the broader issues of safety and violence is becoming increasingly pronounced in the wake of these incidents.

Ongoing Investigations

As investigations into these alarming cases continue, the Clinton Police Department remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding each incident. The community’s heightened concern reflects a pressing need for transparency and accountability in the local justice system. Residents are eager for swift legal action in all ongoing investigations to ensure safety and justice for the victims and their families.

Overall, Clinton faces a critical juncture as it addresses these troubling incidents while fostering community dialogue around safety, justice, and support for victims and their families.

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Additional Resources

• WYFF4 News
• My Clinton News
• ABC 7 Chicago
• Crime and Cask
• GoLaurens
• Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
• Google Search: Clinton SC murder case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
• Google News: Clinton South Carolina crime
• Google Scholar: homicide issues South Carolina

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.