In 1966, in a bar in Paterson, New Jersey, a bartender and two customers were shot dead. In 1967, Carter and John Artis were convicted of the murders and given three life sentences. In 1976, their convictions were quashed and they were reconvicted at a second trial. In 1981, Artis was paroled. In 1985, Carter's murder convictions were again quashed and he was released.