North Charleston, August 2, 2025
News Summary
A lawsuit has been initiated against three construction companies after a tragic machete attack left 57-year-old David Keith Carter dead. The assault occurred at a North Charleston construction site following an argument with co-worker Tyrone Clayton Campbell. The plaintiffs argue that the companies failed to conduct proper background checks and lacked safety measures against workplace violence. As the legal battle unfolds, Carter’s family seeks justice and accountability from the involved companies for their negligence in ensuring a safe work environment.
North Charleston, S.C. – A lawsuit has been filed against three construction companies following a fatal machete attack that resulted in the death of 57-year-old David Keith Carter, who was killed on June 19, 2024. The assault, which took place at a construction site, was perpetrated by 33-year-old co-worker Tyrone Clayton Campbell, who reportedly attacked Carter after an argument between the two men escalated.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Campbell allegedly pulled out a machete and began slashing Carter. Eyewitnesses reported that Carter pleaded for his life and suffered multiple slash wounds to his face, head, and body. Though Carter survived for several hours after the attack, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Carter and Campbell were both employed as temporary contractors at the time of the attack, with their employment arranged through Labor Finders of South Carolina. Following the assault, Campbell was arrested at the scene after police utilized a taser to subdue him, as he refused to drop the machete.
Campbell has a troubling history, including prior charges of attempted murder in 2021 and a conviction for arson in 2023. His past criminal record raises significant concerns regarding the company’s hiring practices, which are now the focal point of the lawsuit. Carter’s estate, represented by attorneys Justin Bamberg and Chris Hart, has filed legal action against SHL Medical, LLC, Evans General Contracting, LLC, and Flooring Services, LLC, citing wrongful death, negligence, and premises liability among other claims.
The lawsuit contends that the companies failed to conduct appropriate background checks on Campbell, allowing a known violent offender onto the job site. Furthermore, the plaintiffs argue that the defendants lacked essential safety measures to protect workers from potential violent incidents. The complaint highlights that the businesses allegedly had no formal procedures in place to prevent or manage the presence of weapons at the construction site.
Carter’s family is seeking justice through the lawsuit, hoping to hold the companies accountable for what they describe as a failure to ensure the safety of their employees. They hope that this legal action will lead to changes that prevent future tragedies of this nature.
Currently, Campbell remains in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The estate of David Keith Carter is pursuing damages against the involved companies, holding them responsible for the inadequate measures that contributed to Carter’s tragic death.
Background on the Incident
The fatal attack serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers present on construction sites, especially when proper safety protocols and employee vetting procedures are not followed. It underscores the importance of ensuring that all workers are adequately screened and that appropriate measures are in place to address any potential threats to employee safety.
Current Status of the Case
The lawsuit raises critical questions about workplace safety and accountability in the construction industry. The outcome may not only affect Carter’s family but could also have broader implications for the policies and practices of construction companies regarding employee oversight.
FAQs
What happened to David Keith Carter?
David Keith Carter was fatally attacked by co-worker Tyrone Clayton Campbell with a machete on June 19, 2024, during an argument at a North Charleston construction site.
Who is being sued in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit has been filed against SHL Medical, LLC, Evans General Contracting, LLC, and Flooring Services, LLC for wrongful death and negligence.
What are the allegations in the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs allege that the companies failed to conduct proper background checks on Campbell and did not implement necessary safety measures to protect workers from violence.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | David Keith Carter, 57 |
| Attacker | Tyrone Clayton Campbell, 33 |
| Date of Incident | June 19, 2024 |
| Location | Construction site in North Charleston, S.C. |
| Type of Attack | Machete assault |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit filed for wrongful death and negligence |
| Background Check Failure | Campbell had a prior criminal record including attempted murder and arson |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Count On 2 News
- Wikipedia: Violence in the Workplace
- Fits News
- Google Search: Machete Violence Construction Site
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Workplace Violence Lawsuits
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace Safety
- Post and Courier
- Google News: N Charleston machete attack

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