Family learns of arrest in fatal stabbing moments before vigil

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Authorities say a 17-year-old has been arrested in connection to the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old man in downtown Charleston.

Mayor Joe Riley announced Monday afternoon that Terrell Smith of North Charleston was arrested in connection to the death of Brandon Bennett, and was being extradited back to Charleston.

Officials with the Charleston Police Department say Smith was taken into custody by the US Marshals Task Force Monday afternoon. A source tells Police Reporter Harve Jacobs the arrest was made in Alabama.

Riley announced the arrest during a vigil for Bennett at Waterfront Park where around 100 friends and family gathered to honor Bennett. Latrease Bennett, Brandon's mother, was in attendance and thanked loved ones for their support.

"I just hope I get the opportunity to speak to him so he can give me some sort of understanding of why he did what he did."

Smith was wanted on charges for murder, attempted murder, possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime and first-degree burglary.

According to police, the fatal stabbing happened last Wednesday at 142 Congress Street at 7:50 a.m.

The Charleston County Coroner's Office says Bennett was transported to MUSC where he later died as a result of his stab wound.

On Monday evening, dozens of blue balloons were released in honor of Bennett.

"He was a funny guy," said Paris Simmons, a close friend. "Everyone who knows him knows that he would make a joke out of every situation. No one would ever imagine that something like this or someone would do something like this to him."

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