South Carolina man sentenced to life in prison for murder of longtime family friend following eviction

A 64-year-old man, Nathan Zeigler, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his 82-year-old family friend, C.J. Young. Young had tried to evict Zeigler, leading to the fatal shooting. Young called 911 for help but was killed while on the line with dispatchers. Zeigler was heard shouting, “I told you I wasn’t playing with you.” The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office found Young dead with a gunshot wound to the neck in his kitchen, and Zeigler was located in the backyard with a handgun thrown into a grill.

Young and Zeigler had been friends for over 20 years, with Zeigler living in Young’s home rent-free for almost two decades while Young moved to New York. However, upon Young’s return to South Carolina, issues arose between the two, leading to multiple police interventions. In December 2021, Young gave Zeigler an eviction notice, which Zeigler refused to comply with. During his trial, Zeigler claimed self-defense in the shooting, but the prosecuting attorney argued that it was a senseless murder, not an act of self-defense.

The South Carolina Solicitor’s Office announced the conviction of Zeigler for Young’s murder, with the jury finding him guilty. The judge subsequently sentenced Zeigler to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case highlights the consequences of escalating conflicts and disputes, leading to tragic outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and seeking help before situations turn violent.

The case of Nathan Zeigler and C.J. Young is a tragic example of how disputes between friends can escalate to extreme violence. Despite their long-standing friendship, the conflict over eviction ended in a fatal shooting. Law enforcement had been involved in previous incidents between the two men, indicating a history of tension. The sentencing of Zeigler to life in prison serves as a form of justice for Young’s family and a deterrent for others who may consider resorting to violence in disputes.

The prosecution argued during the trial that the shooting was not an act of self-defense, but a premeditated and senseless murder. The evidence presented, including Zeigler’s behavior on the 911 call, supported this argument. The tragedy of C.J. Young’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked conflicts and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions. The impact of the case extends beyond the individuals involved, highlighting the ripple effects of violence in communities and the need for accountability in the pursuit of justice.