
Death Certificate Confirms Homicide in Kaden Moses Case, Family Demands Prosecution
By James Seidel | CC News Network
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. – The family of 14-year-old Kaden Moses is demanding justice after an amended death certificate confirms his cause of death as a homicide, stating he was “shot by another person.” Despite this official determination, the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office has yet to bring charges in the case, leaving the grieving family frustrated and searching for answers.
Kaden was found dead on December 30, 2023, in his home in Clinton, South Carolina, with a gunshot wound to the head. The initial investigation, handled by the Lauren’s County Sheriff’s Department and later reviewed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), has not resulted in any arrests—despite overwhelming forensic evidence, witness statements, and now an official confirmation of homicide on the state-issued death certificate.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) death certificate, issued on June 27, 2024, explicitly states:
- Cause of Death (Part I): Gunshot wound to the head
- Manner of Death: Homicide
- How Injury Occurred: “Shot by another person”

For Kaden’s mother, Erika Moses, and his loved ones, this document is further proof that a crime was committed. They argue that if the coroner has classified his death as a homicide and confirmed another person fired the fatal shot, then prosecutors have a legal and moral obligation to move the case forward.
“We have been waiting for justice for over a year now,” Erika Moses told CC News Network. “My son was killed, and yet, no one is being held accountable. How can they call it a homicide and not prosecute?”
A Troubling Lack of Action
The Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, led by Solicitor David Stumbo, has remained silent on why no charges have been filed. Legal experts say a homicide ruling on a death certificate typically carries significant weight in criminal investigations. While a death being classified as homicide does not automatically equate to a murder charge, it does mean the death was caused by another person and should warrant further legal scrutiny.
Why Would a Prosecutor Decline to Pursue Charges in a Homicide Case?
- Lack of Sufficient Evidence – If there is no eyewitness testimony, forensic proof, or a clear suspect, prosecutors may hesitate to proceed. This case if full of eye witnesses, and evidence of the alleged shooter and his family covering up the alleged crime.
- Self-Defense or Justification Claims – If evidence suggests the homicide was legally justified (e.g., self-defense), prosecutors may decline charges. This does not apply here.
- Conflicts of Interest – If a suspect has political, law enforcement, or legal connections, there may be concerns about impartiality in the case. It has been reported dthat the alleged shooter has family in the Lauren’s County Law Enforcement community.
- Investigative Errors – If law enforcement failed to secure evidence, collect proper witness statements, or mishandled the case, it could make prosecution difficult. There were plenty here.
@crimeandcask Justice for Kaden Moses: The Truth is in Black and White Kaden Moses’ death certificate clearly states he was shot by someone else. So why haven’t prosecutors taken action? Why is his family still waiting for justice? The facts don’t lie, but the system seems to be looking the other way. It’s time for answers. Who is protecting the shooter? 🚨 Share this. Demand justice. 🚨 #JusticeForKaden #KadenMoses #JusticeDelayedIsJusticeDenied #ProsecuteTheShooter #TrueCrime #CrimeAndCask #SouthCarolina #GunViolence #HoldThemAccountable #NoMoreCoverUps #TrueCrimeCommunity ♬ original sound – Crime and Cask
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Bottom Line:
A homicide ruling on a death certificate is one of the strongest pieces of forensic evidence in a murder investigation. While it does not automatically mean charges will be filed, it places immense pressure on law enforcement and prosecutors to justify why a homicide case is not being prosecuted—especially if there is a known suspect, clear forensic evidence, or witness testimony.
In the Kaden Moses case, this means the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and SLED must explain why they are not pursuing charges, given that the official record states Kaden was “shot by another person” and his death was ruled a homicide.
“This is not a case where there is doubt about what happened,” said a South Carolina attorney who reviewed the details of the case. “The coroner’s office, after reviewing autopsy findings, ruled this as a homicide. The question now is why law enforcement and prosecutors have not moved forward with charges.”
Community Outrage and Calls for Justice
The lack of movement in the case has sparked community outrage and raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest within Laurens County’s legal system. Some residents speculate that the suspect may have ties to law enforcement or political connections, influencing the solicitor’s decision not to pursue charges.
Kaden’s family and supporters are now calling for the case to be transferred to a special prosecutor or for a grand jury to be convened. A petition demanding justice for Kaden has garnered significant public support, with advocates pressing the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to intervene.
“If the solicitor refuses to prosecute, then the Attorney General needs to step in and do what’s right,” said one family advocate. “A child was murdered, and this case should not be ignored because of who might be involved.”
Next Steps
Despite the lack of official action, Kaden’s family continues to fight for accountability. The Justice for Kaden movement is organizing a rally at the Laurens County Courthouse in the coming weeks, hoping public pressure will force prosecutors to act.
The Moses family is demanding that SLED and the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office either prosecute the case or explain why a homicide with a known suspect remains unresolved.
For now, the biggest question remains:
If Kaden Moses was “shot by another person” and it was ruled a homicide—why isn’t anyone being charged?
Do you have a tip? Contact SLED or provide an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers at https://www.888crimesc.com/ or by phone at, 1-888-CRIMESC (274-6372).
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