Federal agents are searching for 62-year-old Terrance Carter, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, after investigators flagged him as wanted on a parole violation tied to a killing that dates back more than two decades. Carter is accused of murdering his aunt, Alcyone Butts, in 2002 and, investigators say, living in her home with her body for days while selling her belongings to support a drug habit. Authorities say he has not reported to his parole officer since January 7 and consider him a fugitive who frequents Baltimore City and nearby Howard County.
Carter was convicted of second-degree murder and a weapons charge in 2003 and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Investigators say he received an early release around 2019 and later faced new charges. Court records and investigators also show a 2019 misdemeanor second-degree assault arrest in Howard County, with bond revoked, and that Carter was arrested again in 2025 and found guilty of second-degree assault in January 2026. The U.S. Marshals Service says a warrant for his arrest on a parole violation was issued and that he uses several aliases, as reported by Fox Baltimore.
Public records list Alcyone E. Butts' death as April 9, 2002, matching the year investigators identify as the time of the slaying. That entry appears in Maryland's vital records index, according to the Maryland State Archives.
Investigators' account
Investigators say Carter moved into his aunt's Reisterstown Road home to help with renovations before allegedly killing the 68-year-old woman with a hammer and wrapping her body in a carpet. "Carter reportedly lived with the victim’s body for several days, selling the victim’s belongings for roughly $150 to purchase crack cocaine," Deputy U.S. Marshal Jennifer Mazza said. The Marshals describe Carter as about 5'7" and 140 pounds and say he uses the aliases "Jersey," "Tracy," and "Petty." Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service at 202-819-5058, as reported by Fox Baltimore.
Legal status
Carter currently faces a parole-violation warrant that could return him to custody and prompt revocation of his supervised release. Parole revocation and any new criminal charges are handled through separate procedures, which can include detention while prosecutors and parole authorities determine next steps.
If you think you have seen Carter, do not approach him. Call 911 or tip the U.S. Marshals at 202-819-5058. Authorities ask that tips include location, vehicle descriptions, and any known associates to aid the ongoing search.
