Clinton, SC, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Clinton, SC community is reeling from a series of violent incidents, including a shooting that left one dead and another injured, as well as a murder charge stemming from a welfare check. Authorities are actively investigating multiple cases, including the arrest of three juveniles tied to a shooting. Local officials urge residents to report any information that could assist in resolving these ongoing investigations.
Clinton, SC
One person is dead and another injured after a shooting incident in Clinton on Friday night, according to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). The shooting occurred around 9 PM on Coleman Road in Clinton. Upon arrival, deputies found one individual deceased at the scene, identified as Taneal Evans, a 20-year-old resident of Clinton. A separate individual had already been transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
The incident is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), LCSO, and the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at www.p3tips.com or by calling 864-68-CRIME (864-682-7463). Tips that lead to an arrest could result in cash rewards.
Welfare Check Leads to Another Death
In a separate incident, a welfare check at a home in Clinton led to the discovery of a dead man and the arrest of his roommate, who has been charged with murder. This welfare check was prompted by neighbors who had not seen one of the residents for more than a week. Officers found the deceased, identified as Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, a 59-year-old man, inside the home on Poplar Street.
The roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown, 23, was detained and charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals. Brown is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center.
Juvenile Arrests in Shooting Incident
In another occurrence, three juveniles were arrested in connection with a shooting on Church Street around 11 AM on Wednesday. Laurens Police responded to a report of a shooting at 900 Church Street, where a vehicle with three occupants had been struck by gunfire.
The juveniles were charged with Attempted Murder, two counts of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Discharging into an Occupied Vehicle. Police Chief Heath Copeland noted that this was an isolated incident involving parties familiar with one another.
Ongoing Investigations
Both cases are currently under investigation, highlighting a concerning trend of violence in Clinton. Community members are urged to provide any relevant information that could assist in these investigations.
Summary of Recent Violent Incidents in Clinton, SC
| Incident Type | Date | Details | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shooting | Friday Night | Taneal Evans deceased, another injured | Under Investigation |
| Welfare Check | Not Specified | Hector Luis Santos Cartagena found dead, roommate charged | Murder, Desecration of Human Remains, Ill Treatment of Animals |
| Shooting | Wednesday | Shooting on Church Street; three juveniles arrested | Attempted Murder, Assault and Battery, Weapon Charges |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Clinton on Friday night?
One person is dead and another injured after a shooting incident in Clinton on Friday night.
Who was the deceased in the shooting incident?
The deceased has been identified as Taneal Evans, a 20-year-old resident of Clinton.
What are the details regarding the welfare check incident?
A welfare check at a home in Clinton led to the discovery of a dead man, Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, and the arrest of his roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown, for murder.
What charges have been brought against Stephen Kristopher Brown?
Brown has been charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals.
What charges were the juveniles arrested in connection with the shooting on Church Street facing?
The juveniles were charged with Attempted Murder, two counts of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Discharging into an Occupied Vehicle.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Shooting Incident in Clinton
- MyClintonNews: Death Investigation in Lydia Mill
- WYFF4: Clinton Roommate Murder Charge
- WSPA: Teen Arrested in Clinton Shooting
- MyClintonNews: Murder Charge against Kevonte Cunningham
- Wikipedia: Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Clinton SC shooting news
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Communities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Latest news Clinton SC
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.
