News Summary
A family from Pickerington, Ohio is devastated after Aaron Holston Jr. was shot and killed by a security guard outside a Myrtle Beach resort. The 23-year-old’s solo trip turned into tragedy, as conflicting police reports complicate the investigation into the incident. His family seeks justice and clarity as they mourn his loss.
Tragic Shooting Leaves Family Mourning in Myrtle Beach
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, a tragedy unfolded that has left a family from Pickerington, Ohio, shattered and searching for answers. On February 4, 2025, Aaron Holston Jr., affectionately known as AJ, was shot and killed while sitting in his vehicle located outside the Driftwood by Sea Mist Resort. The news of his untimely death is still sending shockwaves through his family and friends.
A Sudden Trip Turns to Heartbreak
At just 23 years old, AJ was no stranger to Myrtle Beach. He had vacationed there before but made a solo trip in February 2025 without his family’s knowledge. On that fateful day, AJ found himself parked in a handicap space, where he was approached by a security guard from the resort. According to reports, tensions escalated and resulted in the shocking shooting.
Details that Raise Eyebrows
The situation took a dark turn when Holston allegedly hit the security guard with his vehicle after being asked to move. In a flurry of chaos, the security guard, employed by the Global Investigative Services Security and Investigations, reportedly discharged 20 rounds into AJ’s vehicle. This act not only claimed the life of a young man full of potential but also injured another person whose identity remains undisclosed.
Under Investigation with Contradictory Reports
The Myrtle Beach Police are investigating the incident. However, there are two conflicting police reports regarding what happened. One report suggests that Holston’s death was justifiable homicide, while another claims he was committing aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. This inconsistency has left AJ’s family scratching their heads, especially since the investigation is still ongoing.
A Family in Crisis
His family is deeply perplexed about how police arrived at a quick conclusion that the shooting was justified. Taralyn Sanders, AJ’s aunt, expressed her disbelief at how rapidly the situation was assessed. It raises troubling questions: Why did the security guard feel the need to resort to such violence instead of calling the police or issuing a simple parking ticket?
Who Was Aaron Holston Jr.?
AJ was not just a name; he was a caring individual who looked out for his nine siblings. Having personally endured the trauma of losing their mother to violence in 2018, he took on a protective role within the family. He was known for checking in on others by simply asking, “You good?” It’s a bittersweet reminder of the love he had to offer.
Plans Cut Short
Before his tragic death, AJ was busy working towards obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and had plans to return to college. His funeral on February 20, 2025, fell on what would have been his 24th birthday, making the loss even more poignant for those who knew and loved him.
Conflicting Narratives and Video Evidence
Adding to the family’s distress is video footage that reportedly shows AJ never exited his vehicle during the incident. This evidence stands in stark contrast to claims made by the security guard involved. It raises significant questions about the reasoning behind firing multiple rounds into AJ’s vehicle, especially since he was alone and unarmed at the time.
Looking Forward: Seeking Justice
With many unanswered questions yet to be addressed, the Holston family is determined to seek justice. They are shocked that no arrests have been made, and with the police stating that there are no pending charges as the investigation continues, it appears that the road to answers will be challenging. Family members aim to find clarity, not just for themselves but also to honor AJ’s memory and the life he could have led.
As more details emerge from the ongoing investigation, the hope is that AJ’s story will inspire more thorough scrutiny into incidents like these, ensuring that justice prevails for those whose lives are needlessly cut short.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WPDE News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach shooting
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach shooting investigation
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach shooting
- WPDE News 2
- Google News: Myrtle Beach police shooting
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
