Clinton, South Carolina, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A 23-year-old man, Stephen Kristopher Brown, faces murder charges after police discovered the body of his 59-year-old roommate, Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, during a welfare check at their home in Clinton. Neighbors prompted this check after not seeing Cartagena for over a week. Authorities are investigating the case, which has shocked the normally quiet community.
Clinton, South Carolina – A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of his roommate’s body in a residential home on Poplar Street in Clinton. The victim, identified as 59-year-old Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, was found inside the residence during a welfare check conducted by police.
Local authorities conducted the welfare check on the home after receiving complaints from neighbors who reported not seeing one of the residents for over a week. Upon entering the house, law enforcement discovered the remains of Cartagena, prompting an immediate investigation.
During the course of the investigation, police detained the victim’s roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown. Brown now faces multiple charges: murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals. He has been taken into custody and is currently housed at the Johnson Detention Center.
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the victim as Hector Luis Santos Cartagena and continues to work alongside local law enforcement to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.
Officials are urging anyone with additional information related to this case to reach out to the Clinton Police Department or utilize Laurens County Crime Stoppers to provide anonymous tips. The police are actively investigating the situation and aim to shed light on the events that led to the discovery of the victim’s body.
The news of this incident has shocked the small community of Clinton, a city that typically experiences low crime rates. As the investigation unfolds, police have not yet detailed a possible motive or further information about the relationship between Brown and Cartagena.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available, and they continue to seek input from the public in hopes of constructing a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to this tragic occurrence.
Background Context
Clinton is situated in Laurens County, South Carolina, and is known for its small-town atmosphere. The discovery of a body in such circumstances is rare, and incidents of this nature are typically met with concern and unease among residents. The police department frequently investigates domestic disputes and welfare checks but aims to resolve cases without the tragic outcomes that have occurred lately.
FAQ
- Who has been charged in this case?
- Stephen Kristopher Brown has been charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and ill treatment of animals.
- What prompted the police welfare check?
- Police conducted a welfare check at a home on Poplar Street in Clinton after neighbors reported not seeing one resident for over a week.
- What was the age and identity of the victim?
- The victim is 59-year-old Hector Luis Santos Cartagena.
- Where is Stephen Kristopher Brown currently detained?
- Brown was taken to the Johnson Detention Center following his arrest.
- What does Laurens County Coroner’s Office say about the victim?
- The Laurens County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Hector Luis Santos Cartagena.
- How can the public assist in this investigation?
- Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Clinton Police Department or Laurens County Crime Stoppers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Clinton, South Carolina |
| Victim | Hector Luis Santos Cartagena, 59 years old |
| Suspect | Stephen Kristopher Brown, 23 years old |
| Charges Filed | Murder, desecration of human remains, ill treatment of animals |
| Arrest Location | Johnson Detention Center |
| Public Assistance | Contact Clinton Police Department or Laurens County Crime Stoppers for information |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Clinton Roommate Murder Charge
- Boston 25 News: 8-Year-Old Boy Dies
- CBS News: Clinton Township Man Strangling His Aunt
- Google Search: Clinton South Carolina
- WTOL: 86-Year-Old Found Deceased in Port Clinton
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- Syracuse.com: Second Central NY Tornado Confirmed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clinton, 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.
