Tragedy in Myrtle Beach: One Dead, 11 Injured in Ocean Boulevard Shooting
Myrtle Beach, SC – A night of chaos and tragedy unfolded on Saturday, April 27, 2025, when a shooting along the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard left 11 people injured and one person dead, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The incident occurred just before midnight, transforming a popular tourist stretch into the site of a massive crime scene and ongoing investigation.
Timeline of the Incident
At approximately 11:50 p.m., Myrtle Beach police officers on patrol reported observing a “disturbance involving multiple individuals” near the beachfront boulevard. According to official statements, the confrontation quickly escalated when one person brandished a firearm and began shooting into the crowd.
In response to what police described as an “immediate threat to public safety,” an officer discharged their weapon. The person shot by the officer—later identified as Jerrius Davis, 18, of Bennettsville, SC—was critically injured and later pronounced dead at the scene. The officer involved was not injured during the exchange.
Casualties and Trauma
The shooting resulted in a total of 12 individuals being directly affected, including Davis. Eleven others sustained injuries, some of them serious, although as of Sunday morning, no further deaths had been reported. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical attention and transporting several victims to nearby hospitals.
Witnesses described scenes of horror and confusion as shots rang out in the middle of a crowded public area.
“I remember hearing gunfire shots just start going off everywhere,” said Michael Howard, a bystander who spoke to ABC 15. “I remember seeing a girl fall that had been injured; I remember seeing the guy who had been shot fall to the ground. I seen blood everywhere. It was just very traumatizing.”
Ongoing Investigations
Due to standard protocol involving officer-involved shootings, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the independent investigation of the officer’s use of force. Meanwhile, the Myrtle Beach Police Department will conduct an internal review to assess the actions of its personnel and ensure all procedures were followed.
In a formal statement issued Sunday morning, the department expressed its condolences and called for community cooperation:
“The Myrtle Beach Police Department offers its prayers and deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this incident. We appreciate the public’s patience as both investigations proceed and all leads are thoroughly examined.”
Community Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Myrtle Beach community, especially given its location in a heavily trafficked area known for entertainment, nightlife, and tourism. North Ocean Boulevard is a central artery in the city’s downtown, often filled with pedestrians, families, and visitors.
This incident also comes amid growing concerns about rising violent crime across parts of South Carolina. In nearby Hartsville, residents recently marched in protest, calling for more community action and support for public safety initiatives.
Call for Public Assistance
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have video footage or relevant information to come forward. Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and digital evidence could prove crucial to both investigations.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382.
Looking Ahead
As both SLED and the Myrtle Beach Police continue their investigations, city officials are expected to meet with community leaders to address concerns about public safety and transparency. The outcome of the independent review will determine if further actions, including potential policy changes or legal proceedings, will follow.
In the meantime, the Myrtle Beach community grieves another instance of senseless violence and prays for the recovery of the injured. For now, the echo of gunfire lingers where laughter and music are supposed to fill the night air.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.