Aiken, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Alvin Artis IV has been convicted of three counts of murder for the gang-related slayings of three teenagers in Aiken, SC. The tragic incident, which occurred after an argument, has sparked conversations about rising youth violence and gang activity in the community. Artis received three life sentences without parole, and this verdict follows a previous mistrial. The case has left a profound impact on families, schools, and the wider community, bringing attention to the urgent need for discussions around safety and gang violence among youth.

Aiken Community Seeks Closure as Alvin Artis IV is Convicted for 2022 Triple Murder of Three Teenagers

Aiken, SC – Alvin Artis IV, 22, has been convicted on three counts of murder for the June 26, 2022, gang-related slayings of three teenagers: Willie L. Garrett IV (17), Cameron Carroll (16), and Ivan Perry (16). The verdict was reached after a week-long trial, marking the second attempt by prosecutors to secure a conviction following a previous mistrial.

On December 7, 2022, Circuit Court Judge Martha M. Rivers sentenced Artis to three life terms without the possibility of parole. The prosecution firmly established the case that the murders were premeditated and connected to gang activity, successfully disproving claims by the defense that the teenagers were armed when they were shot.

Artis, who took the stand during the trial, was the last of three suspects to be tried in this case. Another co-defendant, Xabian Bailey, was convicted and sentenced to three life terms in 2024. A third suspect, 15-year-old Antonio Jones, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received three 25-year sentences.

The tragic shootings took place outside a trailer on Wadley Drive in Aiken County, following an argument. After traveling to the victims’ home in a black Hyundai, Artis, Bailey, and Jones opened fire on the teenagers. Garrett and Perry died at the scene, while Carroll succumbed to his injuries later at Augusta University Medical Center.

Following the incident, Artis vanished, leading law enforcement on a months-long manhunt that crossed state lines. He had been wanted since January 2022, when he failed to appear in court on a firearm possession charge, after previously being arrested and bonding out earlier that year. Warrants were issued for his arrest post-murders, and he was eventually located in Lawton, Oklahoma, more than 1,000 miles from Aiken, where he was arrested without incident as he was leaving a residence to catch an Uber.

During the trial, the prosecution argued the case was emblematic of the rising gang tensions within the community. Public reaction has included relief over the convictions but also frustration over the increasing violence among youth. Some community members have called for the death penalty for those involved in the case.

Solicitor Bill Weeks described the verdict as a “difficult but hard-fought victory” for the victims’ families and the community. The impact on families and schools has sparked substantial discussions about youth violence and gang-related issues in Aiken County.

Background Context

All three victims were students at Aiken High School, and Garrett and Carroll were first cousins. The incident marked a significant moment of tragedy in the community, prompting heightened discussions around safety and gang activity among students. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the murders are linked to a broader crisis of gang violence that has been increasingly visible in the region in recent years.

FAQ

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Key Features of the Case

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• The Augusta Press
• WRDW
• ABC News 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: gang violence
• Google Search: Aiken triple murder

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.