Peach Stand suspect supposed to undergo psychiatric treatment, father says

FORT MILL, S.C. — For the first time Monday, Channel 9 heard from the family of the man accused of randomly shooting and killing a 19-year-old clerk at Fort Mill's iconic Peach Stand.

Christopher Mendez, 28, is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during commission of a violent crime.

[Boyfriend of slain Peach Stand employee: 'She was the love of my life']

Investigators said Mendez stormed into the store and opened fire, killing Karson Whitesell, of Rock Hill.

His father, Benjamin Mendez, reached out to Channel 9 and alerted us to his recent Facebook post on the shooting.

Benjamin Mendez’s Facebook message said that his heart is with Whitesell’s family and wishes he could repair what was done.

He goes on to say that, “My son was suppose to be undergoing psychiatric treatment. He (was) voluntarily hospitalized at Colleton Medical Center last year for psychiatric treatment.”

[Community creates memorial in front of The Peach Stand to honor slain clerk]

Benjamin Mendez also provided a picture of court paperwork showing that his son was admitted to Colleton Medical Center, but Channel 9 has chosen not to show it in respect of patient privacy.

Whitesell's father told Channel 9 he had heard the suspect may have been mentally ill, but declined to comment further because of the ongoing investigation.

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