June 29, 2025

Murder Charges Filed After Decomposed Body Found in Clinton

News Summary

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on charges of murder following the discovery of a 59-year-old man’s decomposed body in Clinton, SC. The victim, Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, was found wrapped in a blanket in a closet after concerns were raised about his safety. The accused, Stephen Kristopher Brown, faces multiple charges, including murder and animal cruelty, as he is also accused of killing a dog. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public.

Clinton, SC

A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a welfare check revealed the deceased body of a 59-year-old man inside a home on Poplar Street in Clinton, South Carolina. The victim, identified as Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, was found in a state of decomposition, prompting police to detain his roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown, at the scene.

The welfare check was initiated when neighbors expressed concerns after not seeing Cartagena for over a week. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials discovered the body wrapped in a blanket and concealed within a bedroom closet. Investigators took immediate action, leading to the detention of Brown, who faces several serious charges including murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals.

According to the arrest warrant, Stephen Kristopher Brown is accused of not only killing Cartagena but also of killing a dog in a brutal manner. The report details that Brown allegedly beat, stomped on, and slammed the dog to the ground, which resulted in the animal’s death. Following his arrest, Brown was taken to the Johnson Detention Center where he was denied bond on Friday.

Authorities have scheduled Brown’s court appearance for August 1 in the general sessions courtroom, where he will face the serious implications of the charges against him. The Clinton Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to the case and urges anyone who might have relevant details to reach out via phone or email. Individuals can contact them at 864-833-7512, or email cpdtips@cityofclintonsc.com. Tips can also be anonymously submitted through Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME.

Investigation Details

The case began on July 24 when police received calls from concerned local residents, highlighting the absence of Cartagena. Upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough check of the home, which led to the grim discovery of the victim’s body. The nature of the circumstances surrounding the case has shocked the surrounding community, leading many to express their disbelief over such tragic events.

The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement scrutinizing various aspects of the case to gather further evidence. As more details come to light, the local community is grappling with the impact of this incident, which has highlighted concerns regarding safety and well-being in their neighborhood.

Background Information

This case marks a disturbing incident in the small town of Clinton, raising questions about domestic safety and the necessity of being vigilant in communities. The relationship between Brown and Cartagena remains under investigation, as authorities try to understand the dynamics leading up to the crime.

In broader terms, incidents involving the mistreatment of both humans and animals are not uncommon, but they draw particular outrage and concern from the public. The legal consequences for such actions are severe and carry significant weight in the judicial system, particularly for cases involving loss of life.

As the community awaits further developments in the case, law enforcement officials stress the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious behavior to prevent future tragedies.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER 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.