Man accused of stabbing his mom to death in Rock Hill, family says

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Family members say a man in Rock Hill is accused of killing his 56-year-old mother on Saturday and fleeing to Huntersville.

Police say they found Carol Love stabbed to death in a home on Brunswick Drive around 5 p.m. Saturday. They identified Shawn Marion Love, 27, as the suspect, saying he is related to her. Their family said the two were mother and son.

“My mama had such a good heart,” said Kolby Byers. “Nice to everybody, fun, outgoing. A nice, beautiful soul.”

Byers said his mom loved her family and enjoyed spoiling her grandkids. He said Shawn Love was her youngest son and lived with her.

“I want to ask him why,” Byers said. “Everybody want to know why, the whole family asks why. Why did you do it? What was your motive? What was your hidden agenda? Why would you do this to our mom?”

Huntersville, North Carolina police arrested Love on Sunday for another incident that happened in the town less than three hours after the stabbing. It was after Love’s arrest that detectives discovered he was wanted in Rock Hill.

Huntersville attack

Huntersville police said on Saturday around 7:45 p.m., they were called to the QuikTrip gas station at 16649 Statesville Road. There, they were told a man had assaulted a woman with a knife and tried to steal her car. Police said he was unsuccessful and reportedly left on a bicycle.

Investigators said the victim was cut on her hand and had other minor injuries. She was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Afterward, a Huntersville officer found the bike near the intersection of Sherill Estates Road and Statesville Road. Officers searched for the suspect that evening but couldn’t find him.

Detectives were able to get more information and a suspect description from surveillance video at QuikTrip.

On Sunday around 11 a.m., officers were called to Sherill Estates Road for a suspicious person, where they found and arrested Love. They discovered he was wanted on a murder charge out of Rock Hill and also matched the description of the suspect in the QuikTrip incident.

For the Huntersville incident, Love was charged with one count of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle.

A Huntersville detective found the car stolen from the scene of the Rock Hill killing on the side of Interstate 77 near Exit 23.

Love will be extradited to Rock Hill to be served warrants for murder and possession of a weapon during a crime of violence.

“I felt he was a coward,” Byers said. “He waited until everybody was gone in order to do something like that to his mother.”

Byers said he wants swift justice for his mom.

“We just got to put it in God’s hands and hopefully he gets what he deserves,” he said.

Channel 9 also learned Carol Love worked for the City of Rock Hill until she retired in January.

“Carol Love served the City of Rock Hill in the Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) department from November 2004 until her retirement in January 2024,” a statement from the city reads. “She started first at Cherry Park, then transitioned to Manchester Meadows in 2006 when it opened.

“David Vehaun, Rock Hill City Manager, shared, ‘Ms. Carol took pride in her work, ensuring the grounds and facilities were in tip top shape for the many residents and guests who visit Manchester Meadows. My condolences and prayers go to her family, friends, PRT co-workers, and all those who grieve her loss.’”

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