Charleston White is a comedian, social media influencer, and the founder/CEO of HYPE (Helping Young People Excel), a youth outreach program that provides resources to teens and young adults facing unstable housing.
Charleston’s story is a compelling one, being one of the first juveniles to have been adjudicated for murder in Tarrant, Texas. Today, Charleston is a devoted father of two and holds a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Here’s everything we know about him, including Charleston White’s age, career, and personal life.
How Old Is Charleston White?
Charleston White was born on May 17, 1977, in Texas, USA, making him 47 years old as of 2024.
His exact date of birth was previously debated, with some sources stating that he was no less than 52 years old. But that was debunked when Charleston posted a picture of his US Passport on his Facebook account a few days after his birthday, confirming his real date of birth.
What Led to Charleston White’s Murder Charge?
Charleston White’s life story serves as an inspiration for teens and young adults who grew up in impoverished, crime-ridden neighborhoods.
Charleston was entangled in a life of crime from a young age, engaging in activities such as shoplifting and vandalism. He even led a gang of teenage rebels, committing acts of petty theft and intimidation. However, a turning point arrived at age 14 when he and his friends attempted to shoplift athletic jackets from a Foot Locker store.
As they attempted to flee in their car, Michael Levy—an innocent bystander who was working on his vehicle at the Foot Locker parking lot—intervened, trying to stop them from escaping.
He leaped onto the hood of the car and began striking the windshield with tools he had been using. The windshield shattered, sending shards of glass into the face of one of Charleston’s friends.
In a panic, Charleston handed his friend a gun and ordered him to shoot Michael. The friend, under duress, fired the weapon, striking Michael. The gang then fled the scene, laughing and oblivious to the gravity of their actions.
“We didn’t understand what we had just done,” Charleston said in an interview with VladTV. “We didn’t know he was dying—we didn’t know he had died.”
The police caught up to them a few hours later. And although Charleston wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger, he was still deemed responsible for Michael Levy’s death. “I was, for all intents and purposes, a murderer,” Charleston told The Texas Tribune.
Charleston was the first juvenile (under 18) to have been sentenced for murder under the Texas Determining Sentence law. He was incarcerated at the Texas Youth Council lockup and was due to be sent to an adult facility upon turning 18 years old.
However, several correctional officers risked their careers by pleading his case before a judge. Against all odds, the judge granted him leniency and transferred him to the Giddings State School to serve the rest of his time. He was released seven years later in 1998, a few months shy of his 21st birthday.
Life After Prison
Since Charleston White spent most of his teenage years incarcerated, he missed out on the opportunity to attend and graduate high school. However, this didn’t deter him from wanting to turn his life around.
Charleston White enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University in 2012, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, and graduated in 2015.
In 2012, he founded a youth outreach program called HYPE (Helping Young People Excel). HYPE aims to steer at-risk youth away from lives of crime and violence. The program raises awareness about the severe consequences of criminal behavior and provides young people with opportunities to redirect their lives toward more productive futures.
Many people appreciate Charleston’s raw and unfiltered approach, recognizing him as a voice for the marginalized and misunderstood. In a 2023 podcast episode of Funky Friday Cam Newton, Charleston declared, “I’m willing to die, kill, and go to jail for what comes out of my mouth…that’s why I speak so boldly.”
Social Media Career
After launching his community program HYPE in 2012, he started using platforms like YouTube and Instagram to share his experiences growing up in a tough neighborhood, his time in prison, and his journey toward redemption.
He garnered over 125k subscribers on YouTube up until he was banned in 2023 due to violations of community guidelines. However, he remains active across other social media platforms, including Facebook, where he has 328k followers, Instagram with 75k followers, and X (formerly Twitter) with 204k followers.
Charleston Arrested For Animal Cruelty and Assault With a Deadly Weapon
Charleston White has always emphasized that he has never been to prison or had any felony convictions following his release from juvenile prison.
However, in October 2024, Charstlon White was arrested for aggravated assault and “killing, poisoning or causing serious bodily injury to an animal without the owner’s consent.”
It wasn’t the first time Charleston has had this arrest, as he was charged similarly in December of 2023.
In both cases, Charleston was released on a bond of around $15,000 for assault and $1,000 for animal cruelty. He later shared a video stating that the recent animal cruelty case was “made up.” We have no further information about the case.
Charleston White’s Net Worth?
Charleston White has built a solid nest egg by speaking his mind. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to range from $1.5 million to $5 million.
Wrapping Up
As of 2024, Charleston White is 47 years old. He was born on May 17, 1977.
Charleston White is a social media influencer, comedian, and the CEO of the HYPE youth organization, which he founded in 2012. Charleston has amassed over 500,000 followers across social platforms, where his raw, unapologetic storytelling and commentary have made him a polarizing yet influential figure.
Charleston uses his platforms to shed light on social and cultural issues while drawing from his personal experiences with crime, incarceration, and redemption.