Zaden Christian Bratsos was 16 and a junior at Central High School when he was shot on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Pageland, South Carolina. Known for his smile, love of sports—particularly basketball—and his budding barber skills, he worked at Polly’s Ice Cream and The Ball Theatre and was remembered by family and friends as a caring son and brother.

Deputies found Zaden with a gunshot wound on North Pearl Street and he was taken to Atrium Health in Monroe, where he died. Investigators later concluded the shooting occurred at a different location off CW Baker Circle and that multiple people were involved. The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office opened a thorough investigation.

Within days a 17-year-old, Jeremiah J. Lockhart, turned himself in and was taken into custody. He has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and, because of the nature of the charges, will be prosecuted as an adult. The investigation remains active and additional charges may follow.

If anyone knew Zaden or has information about the events that night, please come forward with what was seen or heard.