Candlelight Vigil Will Honor Teen Shot And Killed At The Peach Stand In Fort Mill
The Latest:
The public is invited to a candlelight vigil that will be held Thursday, January 25th at 7pm to honor the life of Karson Whitesell.
Participants are asked to park at the Bi-Lo near The Peach Stand and walk to the store. Participants are asked to bring candles with protected flames and a single flower.
A fund has been set up in Karson’s name to honor the charitable work in Africa which was dear to her heart.
The Peach Stan will reopen for business on Friday. The community is asked to stop by to show support.
Original Story:
FORT MILL, SC.– Christopher Mendez is charged with murder after police say he shot 19-year-old Karson Whitesell multiple times Tuesday evening at the Peach Stand restaurant and market.
A memorial grew for Whitesell Wednesday afternoon, as an entire community is mourning the loss of a young woman they describe as a ray of sunshine.
Whitesell’s parents telling WCCB: “Karson was a beautiful light in this dark world. she had a heart of service and loved god, her family, and friends fiercely.”
Residents of Fort mill shaken by the loss of Karson Whitesell, who they say was much more than a Peach Stand employee.
“I can’t believe, you know it’s like a bad dream, that somebody so sweet and so adorable, that this could happen,” says resident of Fort Mill Julie Denton.
WCCB talked to Whitesell’s coworker who says Karson just got back from a mission trip. They say Karson was bubbly, honest and kind.
Fort Mill Police say Mendez shot Whitesell multiple times. When authorities got to the scene, Mendez was still there and didn’t resist arrest. Police say they don’t know if Mendez and Whitesell knew each other before he killed her.
“This is not a domestic related incident nor is it an armed robbery related incident,” says Major Bryan Zachary with the Fort Mill Police.
Karson’s boyfriend sent WCCB a statement that reads in part– “she had a beautiful soul that will never be forgotten. I will think about her everyday for the rest of my life pray for me and her family.”
Fort Mill residents, who go to the Peach Stand a few times a week, were brought to tears as they reminisced about Karson’s friendly smile.
