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ASHTON SMITH-CARTER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO FATAL HENDERSON SHOOTING – TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN ADAMSVILLE

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ASHTON SMITH-CARTER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO FATAL HENDERSON SHOOTING – TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN ADAMSVILLE

HENDERSON, TN — In a swift and coordinated law enforcement effort, 35-year-old Ashton Smith-Carter of Henderson, Tennessee, has been apprehended and taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, near the intersection of Whitley and Laura Street in Henderson.

The Henderson Police Department confirmed the arrest Monday evening, bringing a major breakthrough in an investigation that began just 24 hours prior, when one individual was pronounced dead at the scene following a shooting that shocked the local community. The suspect, later identified as Smith-Carter, fled the area immediately after the incident, sparking an intense manhunt that spanned multiple jurisdictions.

By the afternoon of Monday, June 16, investigators had developed credible leads indicating that the suspect may be connected to a residence in Adamsville, TN. Working with partner agencies, Adamsville Police Chief Reagan acted on this intelligence and successfully located Ashton Smith-Carter just before 5:00 p.m. at a home in Adamsville. The arrest was made without incident, bringing relief and a sense of progress in a case that has rattled both Henderson and Adamsville residents.

The name of the victim is being withheld at this time, pending notification of next of kin and official confirmation from the medical examiner. Authorities have expressed deep sympathy for the victim’s family and pledged continued support during the days ahead.

The successful apprehension of Smith-Carter is the result of a highly coordinated and rapid response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Henderson Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the United States Marshals Service, and the Adamsville Police Department.

“This arrest is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of law enforcement at all levels,” said Adamsville Police Chief Reagan.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts and coordination between our departments, a dangerous individual is now in custody, and we are one step closer to justice for the victim and their family.”

At this time, the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, and charges against Smith-Carter are pending. Authorities have not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals and are continuing to pursue all investigative leads.

Law enforcement officials are urging members of the public who may have any information relevant to the case to come forward. Even the smallest detail, they say, could help piece together the full picture of what occurred on Sunday night.

As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and police officials are calling for calm, cooperation, and solidarity among residents.

“The safety of our cities depends on strong partnerships and a shared sense of responsibility,” Chief Reagan added.

“We want the public to know we are here to serve and protect, and we will always pursue justice with unwavering resolve.”

The arrest of Ashton Smith-Carter has provided a crucial step forward in the pursuit of justice. It also underscores the power of inter-agency collaboration and the resilience of communities united in the face of tragedy.

Local authorities continue to offer support to the grieving family of the victim and ask the public and press to respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Further updates, including the formal charges and court appearances, are expected to be released as the legal process proceeds.

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Briton Scott West Sentenced to 42 Years in U.S. Prison for Orchestrating International Child Exploitation Ring WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 28, 2025 — In a landmark case that sent shockwaves across both the United States and the United Kingdom, Scott West, a 40-year-old man from Salford, England, has been sentenced to 42 years in a U.S. federal prison after being convicted of masterminding a global child sexual exploitation operation. The sentence follows a sweeping investigation that uncovered an extensive and disturbing scheme of online abuse targeting underage boys on both sides of the Atlantic. A Calculated Predator Operating Across Borders West was found guilty of running a sophisticated online network of deception, in which he and an accomplice posed as young women on social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and encrypted messaging services. These fake identities were used to manipulate and coerce young male victims into sending sexually explicit material under the threat of exposure. According to court documents, West often preyed on the insecurities of teenage boys, establishing trust before escalating into psychological blackmail. He would threaten to share the victims’ private conversations and images unless they continued to comply with his demands — a tactic that led to months of silent torment for some. Joint International Investigation and Extradition The case against West was built through a collaborative investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and Greater Manchester Police, with assistance from cybercrime units and child protection specialists. The trail of digital evidence—recovered through painstaking forensic analysis—revealed dozens of victims across multiple jurisdictions. West was extradited to the United States to face charges after evidence tied his actions directly to victims within U.S. borders. His extradition and subsequent conviction underscore the importance of international legal cooperation in addressing the growing threat of cross-border cyber-enabled child exploitation. Employment and Background At the time of his arrest, West was working as a part-time website developer for GoChurch Global, a Christian charity headquartered in the UK. Although his position did not involve direct interaction with children or vulnerable individuals, the organization acted swiftly, suspending him and distancing itself from his actions. Investigators confirmed that there was no evidence connecting his criminal behavior to his employment. Statements from Authorities Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger, who led the prosecution, spoke candidly in court: “Scott West manipulated and preyed upon children on two continents in his quest to fulfill his own sexual desires. This extradition and sentence ensured that his American victims received justice in the United States for his crimes.” She also praised the courage of the victims who came forward despite the emotional toll, and commended law enforcement for their tireless pursuit of justice. Michael Kurzeja, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Springfield office, emphasized the larger implications of the case: “Adults should protect children, not prey upon them online. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind digital screens and the vital need for vigilance.” Impact and Wider Response The West case has reignited public concern over online safety, particularly involving minors. Advocacy groups are calling for enhanced protections on social media platforms, better parental education, and internationally standardized digital child protection laws. Experts warn that the methods employed by West are becoming more common, as predators increasingly leverage technology to hide behind anonymity and avoid law enforcement. His sentencing has been held up as a powerful example of what coordinated efforts between countries can achieve in the fight against child sexual abuse. Justice Served, But Challenges Remain The 42-year sentence marks one of the most significant convictions involving a foreign national in a U.S.-led child exploitation case. For the victims, it provides a measure of closure — but the psychological impact will be long-lasting. Scott West will spend the rest of his life behind bars, but his case serves as a stark reminder of how easily online spaces can be turned into hunting grounds for predators — and how vital it is to stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in protecting children from digital harm. ⸻ If you or someone you know is a victim of online exploitation, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or your local authorities immediately. #ScottWest #ChildProtection #OnlineSafety #JusticeServed #CyberCrime #USUKCooperation #OnlinePredators #DigitalSafety #ChildExploitation