Christopher Bernard Carson, a 32-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 12, 2020, in Shelby, North Carolina. Born on December 14, 1987, in Shelby, Carson was a beloved member of his community, known for his friendly and trusting nature. He was an Army veteran who served his country for three years before suffering a leg injury.
On the night of June 11, 2020, Carson hosted a gathering at his residence on Rocky Brook Drive.
The party continued into the early hours of June 12, 2020. Most guests had left by the time violence erupted around 11 a.m. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and witnessing Jalen Aric Lipscomb, a 24-year-old Shelby High School graduate, fleeing the scene while attempting to conceal a gun.
Carson was found dead in his home, having been struck by four bullets, with a fatal shot entering his back and striking his heart. The altercation that led to his death was reportedly over a video game. Lipscomb was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree murder.
The trial for Lipscomb began in July 2021. After three days in court, Lipscomb decided to plead guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison, avoiding a life sentence that would have been mandatory with a first-degree murder conviction. During the trial, the court acknowledged the senseless nature of the violence and the impact it had on the families involved.
Carson's father, Bernard Carson, spoke about his son's military service and his friendly nature, which he believed led to his son's demise. The prosecutor also highlighted Carson's service to his country and the tragic circumstances of his death.
