LANCASTER, S.C. — The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man charged with killing another man earlier this month.
Deputies responded to John Street, off of Lynwood Drive, shortly after 8 p.m. on Jan. 4. Witnesses reported seeing two men approach 53-year-old Nathaniel Eugene White's home. One of the visiting men was seen meeting with White in an outbuilding. Gunshots were heard, and witnesses said both men fled drove off. Witnesses told deputies the man who met with White reportedly had a handgun on him when he left.
While no arrests have been made, deputies said all the witnesses they spoke to have been helpful. In a news release, the sheriff's office named 24-year-old Corey "CJ" Devonta Baker Jr. as a suspect, with warrants for murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime out for his arrest.
Baker is 6 feet tall and weighs just more than 200 pounds. While he has addresses in York and Rock Hill, he's known to frequently visit Lancaster County. Citizens are advised Baker should be treated as armed and dangerous, and he should not be approached.
“This investigation has been running full steam since last week,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “Our investigators have worked through lots of information to identify Baker and are being assisted by several other agencies in searching for him. We need to find and arrest Baker as soon as possible. I encourage anyone with information that will assist us in locating Baker to immediately contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office or dial 9-1-1 in your local jurisdiction.”
Anyone with information on Baker's whereabouts can call deputies at 803-283-3388. If you see him, you're reminded to dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance and to not engage Baker.
Tips about the case can also be shared anonymously by calling Midlands Crimestoppers at 888-274-6372 or by sharing online. Tips can even be sent in via the P3 Tips app for iOS and Android devices.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspect in this case because he is still not in custody and is deemed armed and dangerous by deputies.