The murder charge against 16-year-old Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr. has been dismissed following a preliminary hearing held Thursday by Judge Shawn Merzlak, who ruled that the teen acted in self-defense during a fatal shooting last month that claimed the life of 14-year-old Deandre Howell.
The shooting occurred on Aug. 3 in the parking lot of Advance Auto Parts on Deans Bridge Road and has shaken the South Augusta community. According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began as a verbal dispute among teens over territory for selling bottled water. The situation escalated when one of them called his mother to the scene. She arrived with her boyfriend and two sons, all bearing the Carter surname.
Investigators reported that Vincent Carter Jr. exited the vehicle with a firearm and confronted Howell. Gunfire was exchanged moments later. Howell was fatally shot and pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m. by Deputy Coroner Christopher Langford.
Carter Jr. was shot in the chest during the incident and initially hospitalized in critical condition. He later stabilized and was booked on a murder charge. His brother, Zyion Carter, 16, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. A 12-year-old bystander, Josiah Overton, was also shot in the ankle.
Authorities say the gunfire spanned multiple nearby locations, including a Texaco gas station, and that a vehicle crossing toward an IGA grocery store was struck by stray bullets. Law enforcement has not clarified who fired which shots. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
At Thursday’s preliminary hearing, Judge Merzlak ruled that the evidence presented did not support probable cause for a murder charge, finding that Carter Jr. acted in self-defense. The charge was dismissed.
In addition to Carter Jr., 18-year-old Nametrius McClam was also arrested and charged with murder in connection with the same incident. McClam has a prior criminal history, and another case against him was dropped two weeks before the shooting due to insufficient evidence. His legal case is still pending.
The shooting has sparked community concern over youth violence, gun access, and the dangers faced by teens involved in roadside vending, such as the “Water Boys” — a group of local youths, including Howell, who sold bottled water at intersections to earn money during the summer.
WGAC’s Austin Rhodes contributed to this report.
