Stephen Carter, an 18-year-old White man from Lancaster, South Carolina, was shot and killed on the night of Friday, March 22, 2024. Family described him as a genuine person who worked in management at Allied Pest Control, loved rap music, football, and his brothers, and was starting to get his life on track. Investigators say he went outside his home on Zion Road for what was believed to be a pre-arranged meeting to buy a firearm and was instead shot and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash. Family members heard a gunshot around 11:15 p.m., found him across the road, and his mother, Brandy Patterson, was at his side when he died; his reported last words to her were I love you momma.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office determined the incident was not random and identified persons of interest quickly. Police arrested 17-year-old Ny’Jeri Izay Patterson, who is alleged to have arranged the meeting, and 25-year-old Kenneth Jamarri Mitchell Jr., identified as the owner and driver of the gray sedan used as the getaway car. Ny’Jeri Patterson was charged as an adult with murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime; Kenneth Mitchell was charged with murder and armed robbery.

If anyone knew Stephen, saw him on Zion Road that night, or has information about the meeting he attended, please come forward.