The children of Dustin Carter

Help Dusty’s Children Find Stability After Tragic Loss

On September 21, 2025, my brother, Dustin “Dusty” Carter, was tragically murdered in Tacoma, Washington. His sudden and violent death has left our family heartbroken, and his children are facing a future filled with a great deal of uncertainty.

Dusty loved his children deeply but struggled with mental health challenges and was homeless. When I found him living on the streets with his family, I begged him to come live with me. And for a very short time, he did, but one day he left and went back to the streets. Knowing his children deserved better than homelessness, he selflessly granted me temporary custody through a Power of Attorney, allowing me to care for his children and give them stability while he worked toward healing. That authority, however, ended the moment he was killed.

This means that, although the children live with me, I have no authority to take them to the doctor, register them for school, or make any decisions for them that require a parent or guardian's signature. The only way to resolve this is through a costly and complex legal battle to obtain a court order for a custody agreement. This is made even more difficult because their mother is currently missing. Without being able to find her, we are in a very challenging legal situation. These children have already endured so much loss, and they deserve safety, security, and the chance to heal.

Additionally, the City of Tacoma provided a small stipend to help with burial expenses for victims of violent crimes, but those funds were not adequate to cover the full burial expense because a large portion was spent to transport Dusty’s body home to South Carolina.

We are raising $13,000 to cover the following needs:

$6,000–$10,000 for legal fees to secure custody and locate the children’s missing mother.

$3,000 for burial and headstone expenses.

Any remaining funds will go toward basic needs and counseling for the children as they heal.

Every donation — no matter the amount — helps provide hope, safety, and dignity for Dusty’s children. Your kindness will help ensure they are surrounded by love and stability, just as Dusty wanted for them.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity. Your support means more than words can express.