Teen Arrested For Honor Student's Murder During Drug Deal, But Claims He'll Reveal 'Who The Killer Is'

A 16-year-old football player and honor student from a South Carolina high school was shot and killed during an alleged drug deal gone wrong but another teen arrested in connection with his murder but claims he’s not the real killer.

Joshua Meeks’ body was found in Laurens County early Thursday a day after his car was discovered with blood on it at an apartment complex in Greenville.

Sosa Mandiez Croft, 18, (pictured) has been arrested and charged with the Meeks' murder, according to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

“During the course of investigation, investigators learned that Croft and the victim had engaged in some sort of drug deal prior to Croft stealing the victim’s car and ultimately shooting him,” the sheriff’s department stated.

Greenville School District spokeswoman Beth Brotherton told the Associated Press that Meeks was a junior on the honor roll at Mauldin High School in Mauldin, where he played football. He was an offensive lineman, Greenville News reports. Grief counselors were ready for students at the school this week.

Croft spoke out during his Thursday arraignment and, addressing Meeks’ family, stated he “never had an issue with Josh,” local station WHNS reports.

He also claims he will explain who the real killer is.

Sosa Mandiez Croft has been arrested and charged with the murder of Joshua Meeks in South Carolina. Photo: Greenville County Sheriff's Office

“I understand that nothing I say can ever bring Joshua back but I’m going to let you know this now: I’m working with my lawyer and I’m real-life telling who the killer is, who the person, the monster is, who took your son away from you, the person who pulled the trigger that night,” he said.

In addition to murder, Croft has been charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery and grand larceny.

The investigation is still ongoing.

[Photo: Greenville County Sheriff's Office]