Second Arrest Made in Aiken, SC Shooting Case

News Summary

The Aiken community mourns the tragic shooting of William Lee Mathis Jr., with the recent arrest of a second suspect, Tristen McCarty. The incident, which occurred in September 2024, highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and crime. Both suspects are currently detained as the investigation continues, with local authorities urging community members to assist in providing information to seek justice for Mathis.

Aiken, South Carolina: Second Arrest in Tragic Shooting Case

In the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, the community is still coming to grips with the shocking events surrounding the fatal shooting of 42-year-old William Lee Mathis Jr. last September. Just recently, the Aiken Department of Public Safety announced the arrest of a second teenager in connection with this tragic loss, marking another chapter in a case that has struck a deep chord in the local community.

Surrounding Events

The incident took place on the night of September 18, 2024, near the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Chesterfield Street. At around 10:41 p.m., authorities responded to a call about a man who had been shot. Upon arrival, they found Mathis unconscious and suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead just 32 minutes later.

The Arrest of Tristen McCarty

On January 8, 2025, police arrested Tristen Jersey McCarty, a 17-year-old from Trenton, citing charges of accessory before the fact to murder and accessory after the fact to murder. This arrest followed the earlier detention of 22-year-old Sabastyen Miles Greene, who was apprehended in December and has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a crime.

Details of the Incident

According to the details laid out in an arrest warrant, McCarty was behind the wheel of a 2000 Ford Explorer at the time of the shooting, with Greene riding shotgun. The two young men reportedly passed Mathis, who was riding his bike that evening, before making a stop. In what turned alarming, Greene allegedly attempted to rob Mathis at gunpoint, leading to a struggle that turned deadly when Greene shot Mathis in the chest.

Reports suggest that following the shooting, McCarty did not flee the scene. Instead, he allowed Greene to re-enter the vehicle, quietly driving him back to his home. This act has raised numerous questions about the responsibility and choices made in the aftermath of such a grave incident, highlighting the often complex dynamics of youth and crime.

The Community’s Response

Now, as the community mourns Mathis’s untimely death, both suspects are being held at the Aiken County Detention Center without bond, as the investigation continues. The Aiken Department of Public Safety has been active, calling on anyone who may have information related to the case to step forward. This plea is crucial in piecing together the events leading up to that fateful night.

Residents are urged to reach out either by calling 803-642-7620 or submitting a tip anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. Community involvement can be a pivotal element in uncovering the truth and providing justice for Mathis and his loved ones.

Looking Ahead

The case of William Lee Mathis Jr. serves as a grim reminder of the impacts of violence and crime in our neighborhoods. It’s a story that resonates deeply with many, urging authorities and community members alike to remain vigilant in creating safer environments. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on Aiken, hoping for clarity and justice in the wake of such a devastating loss.