Aiken, South Carolina, September 24, 2025

News Summary

Alvin Artis, 22, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of three Aiken teenagers, concluding a high-profile case stemming from a violent altercation. The tragic incident on Wadley Drive resulted in the deaths of Willie Garrett IV, 17, and his cousins Ivan Perry and Cameron Carroll, both 16. The case raises concerns about gang violence in the community, as two other suspects have also received significant sentences for their involvement in the crime.

Aiken, South Carolina: Final Suspect Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2022 Triple Murder of Aiken Teenagers

Alvin Artis, 22, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of three Aiken teenagers, marking the conclusion of a high-profile legal case. The tragic incident took place on June 26, 2022, after an altercation on Wadley Drive in Aiken County, leading to the untimely deaths of 17-year-old Willie Garrett IV and his 16-year-old cousins, Ivan Perry and Cameron Carroll.

Deputies found all three boys on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; Garrett and Perry were pronounced dead at the scene, while Carroll succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital. Artis faced three counts of murder, receiving concurrent life sentences for each count. Alongside the murder charges, he was found guilty of a weapons charge and unlawful transportation of a machine gun, both carrying additional five-year sentences.

Artis’s arrest came on November 30, 2022, in Oklahoma. He was on the run and had vanished prior to his court date, as he was previously wanted for an unrelated charge. Authorities tracked him down before transferring him back to South Carolina to face the charges linked to the murders.

Two other suspects involved in the incident were also sentenced. Xabian Bailey, 21, received life sentences on three counts of murder and was convicted of a weapons possession charge. Antonio Jones, who was 15 at the time of the murders, pleaded guilty to three counts of voluntary manslaughter and received 25 years on each count, along with an additional five-year sentence for weapons possession. The prosecution characterized the murders as gang-related and premeditated, heightening concerns about rising gang violence within the community.

This incident, which took the lives of young individuals and involved multiple perpetrators, has intensified discussions among community members and law enforcement regarding the challenges of gang recruitment and youth violence in Aiken County. Solicitor Bill Weeks remarked that the verdict represents a significant victory for the victims’ families and the community, highlighting the tragic influence these events have had on local youth and the ongoing dialogue about gang issues in the area.

Background Context

The violence that unfolded on that fateful day underscores a disturbing trend regarding gang-related activities and criminal behavior among youth in Aiken County. As the community grapples with these issues, the legal proceedings against Artis and his accomplices shine a spotlight on the importance of engaging youth and preventing gang involvement.

The legal outcomes for Artis, Bailey, and Jones serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of such violence and the imperative to foster a safe and supportive environment for young people. Families and community leaders continue to push for solutions that address the root causes of gang violence and promote educational and recreational opportunities for youth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Features of the Case

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Last 3 Suspects Sentenced to Triple Murder of Aiken Teens
• Augusta Press: Final Conviction Secured in Gang Linked Triple Teen Murder in Aiken
• WJBF: Aiken Co. Teen Arrested for Murder of Warrenville 18-Year-Old
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang Violence
• Google Search: Aiken County Gang Violence

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.