A South Carolina man is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly leaving behind an incriminating note at the scene of his brother’s murder. Charles Gordon Perry, 55, was arrested in December 2024 in connection with the fatal shooting of his younger brother, David Perry, 51. The case took a dramatic turn when investigators discovered a handwritten list containing what appeared to be a plan for the crime.
David Perry was reported missing before being found dead from a gunshot wound inside a warehouse that housed the family business, Carolina Sound Communications. Authorities responding to the scene found evidence linking his older brother to the crime. A backpack containing a gun was discovered nearby, and when Charles Perry arrived at the warehouse while police were present, he inquired about his brother’s condition, asking if he was experiencing a medical emergency. Officers immediately noticed red spots on Perry’s shoes, which they believed to be blood.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a notepad inside the warehouse. The list, written by hand, included a series of items and instructions that raised serious suspicions. Among the words written were:
- Gun
- Kill Cameras
- Unique Pants, Unique Shirt-longsleeve, Unique Socks
- Hammer
- To Do: Leave Phone, Leave iPad
- Home: Burn clothes/Rag/Suit, Clean & Toss Casings, Gun
Authorities viewed the list as highly incriminating, suspecting it was a checklist related to the planning and execution of the crime. Investigators sought to confirm whether the handwriting belonged to Charles Perry. A detective filed a request for a warrant to obtain a handwriting sample from him, stating that an employee familiar with Perry’s handwriting for several years had identified the note as his. A judge granted the request, and Perry was ordered to be held without bond.
After David Perry was found dead on December 18, 2024, Charles Perry was questioned by police. During the interrogation, he was confronted with the backpack containing the gun, which had been found down the street from the crime scene. Perry admitted that the bag and its contents belonged to him but claimed he had not seen the firearm for “about two days.” Police became even more suspicious when they noticed the red stains on his shoes and pants.
Investigators also uncovered that two hours of security camera footage were missing from the surveillance system at the warehouse. This missing footage raised further questions about Perry’s involvement, as it suggested an attempt to erase evidence.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on forensic evidence, the note, and surveillance footage analysis. The request for Perry’s handwriting sample will likely play a key role in establishing whether he wrote the list found at the scene.
Perry has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. His defense strategy remains unclear, but the prosecution appears to have multiple pieces of evidence pointing toward premeditation. The discovery of the note, combined with the forensic findings and the missing footage, paints a damning picture.
With the investigation ongoing, authorities continue to examine the evidence to build a strong case. The case highlights the role of forensic analysis in modern criminal investigations, where even seemingly small details such as a handwritten note can become critical in establishing guilt.
