GREENWOOD, SC — The quiet streets of Greenwood are cloaked in grief following a horrific double homicide that claimed the lives of 33-year-old Ayerionna Clay, known by her birth name Karon Karter, her 3-year-old son, Carter, and her unborn baby boy. The discovery of their bodies inside their home on Greenway Street has left a community shattered, grappling with an unthinkable loss that has reverberated far beyond the walls of their modest residence.
On Monday, August 4, 2025, the Greenwood Police Department responded to a welfare check request initiated by concerned family members who had not heard from Ayerionna. What officers found upon entering the home was a scene of unimaginable sorrow: Ayerionna, a vibrant mother in the prime of her life, and her beloved toddler, Carter, were deceased. Ayerionna, who was expecting another son, carried a future that was stolen in an instant. The Greenwood County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the official cause of death, pending autopsy results, but authorities have confirmed that the investigation is being treated as a double homicide, with the loss of Ayerionna’s unborn child adding a heartrending layer to the tragedy.
Ayerionna was a beacon of light to those who knew her—a devoted mother, a cherished sister, and a friend whose warmth could fill any room. Her sister, speaking through waves of grief, described her as a woman whose smile was infectious and whose love for her children was boundless. “She was so excited to meet her new baby,” her sister said, her voice breaking. “Carter was her world, always laughing, always bringing joy. How could someone take them away like this?” The question hangs heavy in the air, unanswered, as the community searches for meaning in the face of such cruelty.
Carter, a bright-eyed 3-year-old, was described by neighbors as a bundle of energy, often seen playing in the yard or waving to passersby with a grin that melted hearts. The knowledge that Ayerionna was pregnant with another boy, a child who would never know the love of his mother or the laughter of his big brother, has deepened the collective sorrow. “It’s not just two lives lost,” said a family friend, “it’s a whole future stolen—a family that will never be.”
The Greenwood Police Department, supported by state law enforcement, is working around the clock to uncover the truth behind this devastating crime. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about specific leads, but they are urging anyone with information to come forward. “We are committed to seeking justice for Ayerionna, Carter, and her unborn child,” a police spokesperson said. “No piece of information is too small. We need the community’s help to bring closure to this family.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Greenway Street has become a place of pilgrimage for a grieving community. Outside the Clay home, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and stuffed animals stands as a testament to the love Ayerionna and Carter inspired. Neighbors, many of whom watched Carter grow and saw Ayerionna’s pride in her son, are struggling to process the loss. “She was always so kind, always checking in on everyone,” said one neighbor, wiping away tears. “Carter was like a little ray of sunshine. This doesn’t feel real.”
A vigil is planned for the coming days, where friends, family, and strangers alike will gather to honor the lives of Ayerionna, Carter, and her unborn son. The community is rallying to support the family, with local churches and organizations offering counseling and resources to those affected. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses, providing a way for the community to contribute to easing the family’s burden during this unbearable time.
The tragedy has also reignited urgent conversations about domestic violence, a scourge that continues to claim lives across South Carolina and beyond. While authorities have not officially confirmed domestic violence as a factor in this case, the community is reflecting on the need for greater awareness and resources for those trapped in abusive situations. Local advocates are stepping up, offering support lines and safe havens for those in need, with a renewed call to action: “If you see something, say something. You could save a life.”
As the investigation unfolds, Ayerionna’s family has asked for privacy to mourn their unimaginable loss, while also expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the Greenwood community. They are leaning on faith, memories, and each other to navigate a pain that feels insurmountable. “Ayerionna and Carter were everything to us,” her sister said. “We’ll keep fighting for them, for justice, for their memory.”
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating ripple effects of violence. Ayerionna Clay, her son Carter, and her unborn child were taken far too soon, leaving behind a void that no words can fill. Yet, in their memory, Greenwood stands united—mourning not just the lives lost, but the dreams, the laughter, and the love that will forever remain unfinished. Their light, though extinguished too early, will live on in the hearts of those who loved them, and in a community determined to seek justice and healing in their name.