Police investigate the scene of a tragic shooting in Aiken, South Carolina.
Aiken police have arrested 17-year-old Tristen Jersey McCarty for his involvement in the shooting death of 42-year-old William Lee Mathis Jr. McCarty has been charged with accessory to murder after allegedly assisting the shooter, Sabastyen Greene, during a robbery attempt that resulted in Mathis’s death on September 18, 2024. Greene, who also faces murder charges, turned himself in months later. Police emphasize community cooperation in this ongoing investigation.
In a developing story from Aiken, South Carolina, the local police have apprehended a 17-year-old identified as Tristen Jersey McCarty from nearby Trenton. This arrest is tied to the tragic shooting death of 42-year-old William Lee Mathis Jr., which occurred on the evening of September 18, 2024.
McCarty has been charged with accessory before the fact to murder and accessory after the fact to murder. These serious charges suggest that he played a critical role in the circumstances leading up to and following the shooting that claimed the life of Mathis. According to investigations, McCarty was involved by driving the suspect, Sabastyen Greene, to the crime scene in a white 2000 Ford Explorer.
What transpired on that fateful night is deeply unsettling. Mathis was riding his bicycle near the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Chesterfield Street when he was confronted by Greene, who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. In a shocking turn of events during this failed robbery, Greene shot Mathis in the chest. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a single gunshot that was swiftly followed by someone hastily fleeing in a vehicle.
Immediately after the shooting, McCarty allegedly picked up Greene and drove him away from the chaotic scene. They traveled to Greene’s residence, avoiding law enforcement as officers from the Aiken Department of Public Safety responded to a report of the shooting at approximately 10:41 PM. Upon arrival, they found Mathis with a gunshot wound, and despite urgent attempts to save him, he was transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In the aftermath, a cup was discovered at the scene. This cup, along with DNA evidence that did not match Mathis, hinted at the involvement of another individual, adding another layer to the unfolding mystery. Mathis’ wallet was also found, helping authorities confirm his identity.
Earlier in December, Greene, who was already charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, turned himself in to the police on December 20, 2024. Both he and McCarty are currently being held at the Aiken County Detention Center without bond as the investigation continues.
The Aiken police are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving this harrowing case. They are encouraging anyone with more information about the incident to reach out. Whether it’s through direct contact with the Aiken Department of Public Safety or submitting an anonymous tip, every bit of information is valuable.
The tragic death of William Lee Mathis Jr. has left the Aiken community in shock. As the investigation continues to unfold, residents are reminded of the importance of vigilance and community support in ensuring safety. The cooperation between the police and the public is vital to bringing justice to this case.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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