Accountability in the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office: Reflecting on a High-Profile Murder Case
The Hampton Murder Case: Recounting the Unforgettable
On a tragic day in May 2022, a close-knit community in Hampton County was irrevocably affected as a young life was abruptly halted. The individual convicted in the heartrending event was 25-year-old local resident, Trampas Adam Prater, who, on December 5, 2024, received a life sentence without the option of parole from the Hampton County Courthouse for the murder of 26-year-old Stuart Miller.
The Shocking Face of Violent Crime
According to witness accounts, the crime was brazen, violent, and shockingly overt. Prater flagrantly confronted Miller in broad daylight in the backyard of a Belle Lane home in Varnville. Allegedly, possessing a “crazy look in his eye,” he went on to ruthlessly end Miller’s life in view of three witnesses.
Threats Against Witnesses
Beyond his wanton violence, Prater seemingly showed no remorse, threatening those present after the act, saying whoever “snitched would be next.” Later, a neighbor discovered Miller’s lifeless body sparking a subsequent call to 911 and the start of the criminal investigation.
The Evidence That Led to Conviction
The local law enforcement and the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division unearthed a.40-caliber casing near the scene. Reed Evans, a seasoned advocate from the 14 th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, undertook the sensitive prosecution. Evans, throughout the intense three-day jury trial, called upon 10 witnesses, resulting in a guilty verdict after 90-minute deliberation.
The Role of Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen
In this dark chapter of Hampton County, Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen played a key role by delivering a just sentence. This decision emphasized that murderous, violent acts will not be tolerated in the peaceful counties of Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper.
A Criminal History Exposed
Prater’s criminal record predates this brutal murder – in 2021, he was convicted for unlawful carry of a firearm. It was a chilling forewarning of the violent act he would later commit.
Exemplary Work of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office
The 14 th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and its specialized Career Criminal Unit have demonstrated a persistent commitment to justice. Since its formation in 2009, it has successfully convicted 503 defendants from 553 prosecuted cases, including the heartbreaking case of this Brazen Murder in Hampton County. It has also securitely brought to justice 64 life-sentences.
The Dedication of Prosecutor Reed Evans
Prosecutor Reed Evans, serving since 2011, is a formidable example of the office’s call for justice, underscoring the invaluable work done in prosecuting this county’s most violent and habitual defendants.
Ensuring Justice, Protecting Communities
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office plays a vital role in upholding the law across its comprehensive jurisdiction covering South Carolina’s Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. The Hampton case and others like it underscore the office’s ongoing determination to protect their communities against violent crime. For victims, advocates, and the general community, their dedicated service provides an essential layer of protection and redress.
Originally Post From https://scsolicitor14.org/hampton-man-receives-life-sentence-for/
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