Suspect Pleads Guilty To Deadly Peach Stand Shooting, Sentenced To Life
The Latest:
The suspect accused of killing 19-year-old Karson Whitesell in January at the Peach Stand in Fort Mill has pleaded guilty.
Christopher Mendez stood before a judge Tuesday morning and pleaded guilty to the crime. He will not face the death penalty, but was however, sentenced to life in prison.
We are working to gather more information on Mendez’s plea and the details of his sentencing. Check back for updates.
Update (Feb. 14, 2018):
911 calls have been released from the Peach Stand shooting. Viewer discretion is advised.
UPDATE (Jan. 24, 2018):
The suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Karson Whitesell has been identified as 28-year-old Christopher Benjamin Mendez, of Lancaster, South Carolina.
On Wednesday, Mendez was officially charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime. He was denied bond on both charges, and is being transferred to the York County Detention Center.
Update (Jan. 23, 2018):
The Peach Stand General Manager has released the following statement:
“Karson was an extraordinary young woman who worked for us at the Peach Stand as a cashier since 2016. She was an emerging leader, always happy to help, and we counted on her to fill in occasionally for managers. Karson cared about her coworkers and our customers, and at 19, had already begun doing church mission work to help people she had never met but were in need. We are devastated by the loss of Karson, and have grief counselors available to meet with our staff. Our prayers are with her family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Original Story (Jan. 23, 2018):
FORT MILL, SC — Fort Mill Police officers and York County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a deadly shooting that took place at The Peach Stand Tuesday afternoon.
Officials say a ‘shots fired’ call came in around 4:16pm at the store located at the intersection of Highway 160 and US 21. A passing viewer took this video showing a heavy law enforcement presence surrounding the area.
The York County coroner identified the victim as 19-year-old Karson Whitesell, an employee at the store.
The suspect was taken into custody. Witnesses say the man laid down his gun after shooting the woman, and waited for police to arrive.
The following statement was released Tuesday night on behalf of Ron Edwards, the General Manager of the Fort Mill Peach Stand:
“All of us at the Peach Stand are shocked and heartbroken over this senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and everyone affected. We are working closely with authorities to assist in their investigation, and ask that you please contact Fort Mill Police for information.”
