Back in 2017, if you were following the news in Los Angeles, you couldn't escape the name Cameron Terrell. It was a story that felt like it was ripped straight out of a weird, dark Hollywood script. A wealthy white kid from Palos Verdes—one of the richest neighborhoods in California—was arrested for being the getaway driver in a gang-related shooting that killed 21-year-old Justin Holmes.
People were obsessed. How does a kid with a $2 million home and a Mercedes-Benz end up in South L.A. with the Rollin’ 90s Neighborhood Crips?
The trial was a media circus. In 2018, against almost everyone's expectations, Terrell was acquitted of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. The jury believed his defense: that he was just a "witness" who thought they were going to spray graffiti, not kill someone. But since that verdict, the cameras have mostly stopped flashing.
So, Cameron Terrell where is he now, and what has he been doing since the world moved on to the next headline?
The Move to Texas and a New Name
After the trial, life in Palos Verdes wasn't exactly welcoming. Parents at his high school had already petitioned to have him removed while he was out on bail. Honestly, you can't blame them for being a little spooked. Even though he was acquitted, the images of him throwing gang signs in music videos didn't just vanish.
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Basically, he needed a fresh start.
In late 2018, it was confirmed by his lawyer, Jovan Blacknell, that Terrell had moved to Texas. He enrolled at the University of Houston. He didn't just go there to hide out, though. He actually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. According to public records and student media reports from The Cougar, his presence on campus caused a massive stir. Students were furious. There were protests and calls for the university to rescind his admission, but the school cited privacy laws and let him stay.
A Career in Law?
During his post-acquittal press conference, Terrell told reporters he had a "newfound love for the law." He said he wanted to become a lawyer to help people who were caught up in the system.
It sounds ironic, right?
But he seems to have stuck with that path, at least for a while. After finishing his undergraduate degree in Houston, he pursued further education in the legal field. He’s kept an incredibly low profile since 2020. You won't find him on public social media anymore. No more "Milk" moniker—the gang name he reportedly used. No more blue bandanas. He’s essentially scrubbed his digital footprint to live a "normal" life as a private citizen.
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The 2019 Rearrest
It wasn't all smooth sailing after the murder acquittal, though. In March 2019, while he was supposed to be focusing on his studies, Terrell was arrested again.
This time, it was for a carjacking that allegedly happened in 2018. Because the incident occurred when he was technically a juvenile, the details were kept under wraps. It was a huge "here we go again" moment for the public. However, that case didn't result in the same level of national outrage, and he eventually returned to his life in Texas.
Where Is He Today?
As of 2026, Cameron Terrell is roughly 25 or 26 years old. He has largely succeeded in disappearing from the public eye.
Sources close to the family suggest he continues to reside in the Houston area. He hasn't been back to Palos Verdes for anything more than short visits. He lives the life of a young professional now. It’s a jarring contrast to the 18-year-old kid who sat in a courtroom while the family of Justin Holmes wept.
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The case remains a massive point of contention in discussions about "white privilege" in the American justice system. Critics often point out that the two Black juveniles who were with him that day didn't get the same "he's just a naive kid" defense. They were charged and faced much harsher realities.
Key Facts About the Cameron Terrell Case:
- The Vehicle: He used his father’s black Mercedes-Benz as the getaway car.
- The Moniker: He was known as "Milk" or "White Boy" among the Rollin’ 90s.
- The Defense: His lawyer argued he was "obsessed" with gang culture like a hobbyist, not a criminal.
- The Victim: Justin Holmes was not a gang member; he was a 21-year-old man who worked for the city.
Moving Forward and Insights
If you're following this story to understand the legal nuances, the takeaway is about the power of a high-end defense. Terrell’s family spent hundreds of thousands, if not millions, on his legal team and bail.
For those looking for a deep dive into the socio-economics of the trial, I'd recommend looking at the Los Angeles Times' "Homicide Report" archives from 2018. It gives a raw look at the evidence that the jury saw.
While Terrell has moved on, the Holmes family is still dealing with the loss. If you want to do something productive with this information, consider supporting organizations like Urban Peace Institute, which works on gang intervention and reducing violence in the same L.A. neighborhoods where this tragedy started. It’s a way to turn a "true crime" curiosity into something that actually helps the communities left behind.