Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green would like to update the greater Town of Lexington community on the kidnapping of the 17-year-old Sema’j Corvin Gardner that happened on the night of Sunday, May 3, 2026, when two Black males, armed with handguns, burglarized a home on the 900 block of Hendrix Street in the Town of Lexington. During this incident, they assaulted and threatened to kill several family members, ranging in age from 12 to 61-years-old. Sema’j Gardner was taken from his house during this incident, and an extensive search and investigation began into his whereabouts.

During the investigation, our detectives, who have been working in collaboration with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), found that Sema’j Gardner conspired with the two male subjects in planning his own kidnapping from his home with their involvement.

Sema’j Gardner was found by law enforcement yesterday evening, and since he is being charged as an adult, he was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center on warrants including six counts of Kidnapping, six counts of Assault & Battery – 1 st Degree, Conspiracy, Pointing and Presenting a Weapon, and Burglary – 1 st Degree. When seen at Lexington County Bond Court, Sema’j Gardner was not given a bond and will remain in custody.

An involved 16-year-old juvenile male has also been arrested and charged with six counts of Kidnapping, six counts of Assault & Battery – 1st Degree, Conspiracy, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, Pointing and Presenting a Weapon, and Burglary – 1 st Degree. He is in South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice custody awaiting to be seen by Lexington County Family Court for a bond hearing.

This investigation continues and if you have information about the unidentified Black male involved in this case, contact Detective Corporal Kenneth Heath at 803-358-1557 or email [email protected].

Those with information can also contact Midlands Crimestoppers in the following ways:
PHONE TIP – Call the toll-free number at 1-888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372.)
WEB TIP – Go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com and click “Submit a Tip.”
MOBILE TIP – Download the new P3 Tips app on your Apple or Android Device.
You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.