News Summary
A weekend of violence in York County resulted in the deaths of two individuals from separate shootings in Fort Mill and near Lake Wylie. The first victim, a 16-year-old student, was shot in Clover, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect. The second shooting involved a 23-year-old found dead in a motel parking lot. The incidents raise concerns about gun violence in the community, prompting calls for increased safety measures.
York County, South Carolina – A weekend of violence in York County has left two individuals dead as law enforcement investigates two separate shootings. The tragic events unfolded in Fort Mill and near Lake Wylie, drawing significant attention from the York County Sheriff’s Office.
The first victim, identified as Nathan Antonio Martinez, was a 16-year-old rising junior at Clover High School. Martinez, who had attended classes at the Clover School District Center for Career Innovation, was shot near Paddlers Cove Drive in Clover around midnight on July 26, 2025. Following the incident, authorities arrested Noah Immanuel Walter, a 19-year-old York County resident, who faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime related to Martinez’s death. Walter is currently being held without bail at the York County Jail following his initial court appearance.
The York County Sheriff’s Office is actively soliciting the public’s assistance in gathering further information regarding Martinez’s shooting. Investigators are specifically seeking any video footage recorded in the Paddlers Cove area between 11:30 p.m. on July 25 and 12:30 a.m. on July 26. Residents and bystanders who may have information or footage are encouraged to reach out to authorities at 803-628-3172.
In a separate and unrelated incident, Kendale Richardson Williams, a 23-year-old man, was discovered dead from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a Motel 6 located on FootHills Way, near Carowinds Boulevard, around 3:30 a.m. on the same day. As of Monday afternoon, no arrests have been made in connection with Williams’ death, and law enforcement has reported no injuries resulting from that shooting. The motive behind this incident remains unclear, as well as Williams’ reason for being in that particular area.
The Motel 6 is situated in a bustling commercial zone characterized by various stores, restaurants, and hotels, making the shooting occurrence in such a populated area particularly concerning. Notably, this is not the first instance of violence in the vicinity; there was a homicide reported in February when a York County man was charged with murder following the shooting death of a Charlotte man.
Details regarding the motive for Martinez’s shooting, as well as any potential relationship between him and Walter, have not been disclosed by officials. The lack of context surrounding the tragic events has left community members seeking answers and calling for increased safety measures.
The recent incidents underscore ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in the region and its impact on local communities, particularly among youth. Both shootings have prompted a renewed dialogue about safety and crime prevention strategies in York County.
As investigations continue, local authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. The tragic loss of young lives has cast a shadow over the Clover and Fort Mill areas, compelling law enforcement to act decisively as they seek to understand the circumstances surrounding these serious offenses.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: York County, South Carolina
- Herald Online
- Google Search: York County South Carolina shooting
- WCNC
- Google Scholar: gun violence youth York County
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gun violence
- WBTV
- Google News: York County shooting latest
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. 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.
