On a tragic evening in Sumter, South Carolina, the life of 5-year-old Aayden Holliday-Slacks was cut short in a devastating act of violence. On March 21, 2023, the young male became a victim in a horrific murder-suicide that also claimed the lives of his brother, sister, and another man. The incident unfolded at their home on Whitetail Circle, sending shockwaves through the local community.
That night, Aayden, his 6-year-old brother Aason Holliday-Slacks, and their 11-year-old
half-sister Ava Holliday were asleep in their beds. Their father, Charles Slacks Jr., 43, used a key to enter the residence. Once inside, he first shot and killed 38-year-old Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Evans, who was at the home talking with his ex-wife, Aletha Holliday.
Following the initial shooting, Slacks proceeded upstairs where the children were sleeping. The children's mother, who had recently divorced Slacks, heard multiple gunshots. After killing the three children, Charles Slacks Jr. took his own life. Authorities have stated that Slacks is the sole suspect in the killings, which they have classified as a murder-suicide. At the time of the incident, there was no clear motive for the killings.
The Sumter community was left to mourn the senseless loss of the three young children and the other victim. Aayden and his brother were students at Millwood Elementary School, while their sister attended Alice Drive Middle School. The tragic event left a lasting scar on the family and the community, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence.
