
Richland County Sheriff
CC News Network: Two Tragic Cases of Youth Gun Violence in South Carolina – A Tale of Justice and Silence
By CC News Network
Richland County, S.C., and Clinton, S.C. — Gun violence among South Carolina’s youth continues to bring devastating consequences, leaving families shattered and communities searching for answers. Two recent cases—one in Richland County involving a 14-year-old charged with the death of his 15-year-old friend, and another in Clinton, where 14-year-old Kaden Thomas-Lee Moses was killed under suspicious circumstances—highlight contrasting approaches to justice and accountability.
Richland County: Quick Arrest in Teen’s Death
On Sunday morning, a tragic shooting in Hopkins, South Carolina, claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy. Deputies responded to reports of shots fired in the 100 block of Hunting Avenue around 10 a.m.

Investigators say a 14-year-old, while visiting the victim, accidentally discharged a gun while attempting to clear it, striking his friend in the upper body. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities quickly arrested the 14-year-old, charging him with crimes related to the incident, and gun violence. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department stated that the investigation into the origin of the handgun is ongoing, underscoring the need for stricter firearm safety measures.
This swift action demonstrates the state’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for gun violence -related fatalities, even when those involved are minors.
Clinton: Silence Surrounding Kaden Moses’ Homicide
In stark contrast, the death of 14-year-old Kaden Thomas-Lee Moses in Clinton remains mired in mystery nearly a year after his life was tragically cut short. On the night of December 30, 2023, Kaden was found in his room with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the Laurens County Coroner’s Office classifying his death as a homicide, no arrests have been made, leaving his family and community without answers.
Kaden’s mother, Erika Moses, recounts the devastating events of that night. She was awakened by her daughter, who alerted her to the shooting. Erika found Kaden unresponsive in a gaming chair, and his male friend, who had been in the house earlier, was nowhere to be found. The friend was later seen outside, raising questions about his involvement and the timeline of events.
Investigators determined that Kaden was shot with a .243 bolt-action rifle, a weapon typically stored securely with ammunition locked away. Suspiciously, keys to the gun safe, which had been missing, were later discovered behind a washing machine. Compounding the mystery, a leather jacket belonging to the friend has yet to be located.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office initially handled the case before passing it to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Despite the coroner’s ruling of homicide, no charges have been filed, leaving Kaden’s family to grapple with unanswered questions.
A Stark Contrast in Justice
The differences between these cases highlight disparities in how gun-related deaths are handled in South Carolina. In Richland County, authorities acted swiftly, charging the 14-year-old involved in the shooting. By contrast, Kaden’s case has seen little movement, despite the official homicide ruling and the presence of unanswered questions regarding the friend’s actions and the weapon’s access. Add in the eye witnesses hearing and seeing the friend change clothes the night of the shooting while police were there investigating.
Kaden’s mother, Erika, has expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and transparency. “We just want justice for Kaden,” she told CC News Network. “It’s been almost a year, and we still don’t know the real truth about what happened that night.”
The Need for Reform
Both cases underscore the urgent need for stronger firearm safety measures and consistent investigative standards in cases involving youth and gun violence. Law enforcement agencies must balance the sensitivity of cases involving minors with the necessity of accountability to provide closure to grieving families.
Kaden’s family is now considering legal action and opened a GoFundMe campaign to fund independent investigations. Meanwhile, the family of the 15-year-old victim in Richland County awaits the outcome of the charges against the 14-year-old suspect.
Seeking Answers
These two tragic cases—one marked by action, the other by silence—underscore the need for consistent justice for victims of gun violence. CC News Network will continue to investigate and report on these stories, pushing for accountability and answers.
If you have information regarding Kaden Thomas-Lee Moses’ case, please contact SLED or Laurens County authorities. Together, we can help bring justice to grieving families and ensure these tragedies are not forgotten.
For updates on these cases, follow CC News Network on our website and social media channels.
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