U.S. Army Mourns Loss of Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Evans in Sumter Shooting Tragedy

The U.S. Army Central has identified the soldier who died in a mass shooting incident in Sumter, South Carolina on March 21, 2023, as Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Evans. The incident, which also resulted in the deaths of three children and their assailant, occurred at the home of Sgt. Maj. Aletha Holliday, the ex-wife of the shooter, Charles Slacks Jr.

Evans, 38, was the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army Central’s headquarters battalion and had received numerous awards and medals for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal for valor in combat during his deployment to Iraq. He was described by Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, the command’s top general, as an outstanding leader and caring friend.

Slacks, a combat-wounded former Army staff sergeant turned civilian employee with the command, died by suicide after the shootings. Holliday, who was not romantically involved with Evans, survived the attack unharmed and chased Slacks back into the home after he entered with a key. Slacks then shot Evans and killed the three children before taking his own life.

The shooting, which has left the community reeling, remains under investigation by local authorities. In the wake of the tragedy, the U.S. Army has reminded veterans or service members experiencing a mental health emergency to contact the Veteran Crisis Line for assistance.