News Summary
A 23-year-old man, Stephen Kristopher Brown, has been charged with murder after police discovered the body of 59-year-old Hector Luis Santos Cartagena during a welfare check. The incident occurred following reports from neighbors concerned about the well-being of one of the residents. Brown allegedly concealed Cartagena’s body in a closet, leading to concerns about animal cruelty as well. The community is shaken by the incident, prompting discussions on safety and vigilance among neighbors. Brown is currently held without bond and has a court appearance scheduled for August 1.
Clinton, SC
A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a welfare check revealed a deceased individual inside his home. The incident occurred on June 25, when local police responded to reports from neighbors who had not seen one of the occupants for over a week.
During the welfare check at a residence on Poplar Street, officers discovered the body of Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, a 59-year-old man. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity. His roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown, was detained at the scene and subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals.
According to court documents, Brown allegedly wrapped Cartagena’s body in a blanket and concealed it within a bedroom closet. This action led to the body’s decomposition over an extended period. Furthermore, the arrest warrant detailed that Brown was involved in the brutal killing of a dog, which he reportedly beat, stomped, and slammed to the ground.
Following his arrest, Brown was transported to the Johnson Detention Center, where he was denied bond during a Friday hearing. He is scheduled to appear before a judge on August 1 in the general sessions courtroom. The Clinton Police Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding this case to get in touch with them at 864-833-7512, email cpdtips@cityofclintonsc.com, or contact Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME.
The tragic situation has unsettled the local community, highlighting serious concerns about safety and welfare. Police initially conducted the welfare check following neighbor reports, which indicates a community watchfulness regarding the well-being of residents.
The details of the case raise questions not only about the circumstances surrounding Cartagena’s death but also about the relationship between the victim and Brown. Community members express shock and disbelief over the gruesome nature of the alleged crime, prompting a discussion about the importance of vigilance and checking in on neighbors, especially those who may be vulnerable or living alone.
As the investigation continues, the Clinton Police Department is expected to provide further updates on the case. The preliminary hearing set for August 1 will likely reveal more about the charges against Brown and the evidence collected by law enforcement.
This incident underscores the importance of remaining aware of one’s surroundings and being proactive in communicating with law enforcement if something appears amiss. Authorities are appealing to the public for help in gathering more information that could be vital to the investigation.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Clinton Roommate Murder Charge
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Fox Carolina: Police Roommate Charged
- Google Search: Clinton SC news
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Google Scholar: Clinton SC crime
- WSPA: Teen Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- My Clinton News: Hometown Heroes 2025
- Google News: Clinton SC investigation
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
