‘A good heart’: 18-year-old killed in Lancaster County shooting, deputies say
An 18-year-old has been killed following a shooting in Lancaster County Friday night, and a 17-year-old suspect was arrested for murder and robbery, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting occurred just before 11:15 p.m. on Zion Road.
At the scene, police said they found 18-year-old Stephen Carter across the road from his house with an apparent gunshot wound.
Carter later passed away, according to police.
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Family members told police that Carter was outside when they heard a gunshot. They then started searching for him and eventually found him on the ground across the road and tried to give him first aid before paramedics got there.
Veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts spoke with Carter’s mother, Brandy Patterson, about the last words she heard from her son.
“He got a good heart, and he loves doing stuff for people. And the last words he told me last night were, “I love you, momma.” He was doing good; he was working until that happened,” Patterson said.
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Carter’s younger brother, Blaze Patterson, told Counts he was just beginning to get his life on track when it was taken so abruptly.
“He was my best friend, he was just like getting on his feet, he had stopped getting in trouble,” Patterson said.
Carter’s aunt, Amanda Patterson, and grandmother, Tammy Washburn would like to see the suspect pay the price.
“I hope they do, I really hope they do because this is crazy, it don’t make any sense,” Patterson said.
Arrests made
Police believe this was not a random incident, and residents of the area are not believed to be in danger.
On Monday, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office announced that a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
LCSO said the suspect had “arranged to meet Carter outside Carter’s home to sell a firearm.” Instead, the suspect shot Carter and stole cash from him, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Ny’Jeri Izay Patterson.
Authorities said Patterson is being charged as an adult, which is why Channel 9 is naming him.
Patterson is being held without bond, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Thursday, the sheriff’s office announced that a second suspect was also taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
Kenneth Jamarri Mitchell, Jr. was charged with murder and armed robbery. The sheriff’s office says Mitchell was the getaway driver and owned the car that was used in the shooting.
Authorities caught Mitchell in Barnwell County and found the car, according to LCSO.
Mitchell, 25, is being held without bond, the sheriff’s office said.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388.
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