News Summary
A police welfare check in Myrtle Beach has turned into a murder investigation after officers discovered a deceased individual inside a closet. Joyanna Vansant, 53, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The police were conducting the check following credible information concerning potential danger. No ongoing threat to the community has been reported, as investigations continue.
Myrtle Beach Police Welfare Check Turns into Murder Investigation Following Discovery of Deceased Individual
A routine police welfare check in Myrtle Beach has escalated into a murder investigation following the discovery of a deceased individual. Horry County Police were dispatched to a home on Dinger Court in the Burgess community on May 16, responding to information that suggested a need for a protective sweep of the property.
During this sweep, officers uncovered the body of a deceased individual hidden inside a closet, along with evidence indicating a potential shooting had occurred within the residence. Authorities have not yet released details concerning the identity of the victim or the precise circumstances leading to the shooting incident.
Joyanna Vansant, a 53-year-old woman, has been arrested in connection with this case. She faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Vansant was taken into custody and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center at approximately 3 a.m. on May 17. Reports indicate that she was covered in blood when she opened the door to responding officers.
At this time, the Myrtle Beach Police Department has stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community related to this investigation. However, they have not disclosed further details regarding the events that led to the violence within the home.
Details of the Incident
The events unfolded when officers initiated the welfare check after receiving credible information that warranted a protective sweep. The police’s quick action was in response to concerns for the well-being of any occupants at the residence. Upon entering the home, officers discovered the grim scene that would lead to the murder investigation.
As investigations continue, police are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the unfortunate outcome, including determining what prompted the initial welfare check and the nature of the relationship between Vansant and the deceased individual.
Community Reaction
The incident has raised concerns among local residents, who are seeking answers about the safety of their neighborhood. However, police officials are assuring the community that there are no additional threats at this time, indicating that the situation appears to be contained to the specific individuals involved.
Background on Horry County Police Procedures
Welfare checks are a common procedure used by law enforcement to ensure individuals are safe and secure when there are signs of potential danger or distress. In this case, the response by Horry County Police was initiated following communications that raised significant concern. Officers are trained to conduct thorough but respectful inspections of properties during such checks to ascertain the safety of residents.
As authorities continue to gather more information, the investigation remains active. Police are expected to release further details as they become available, particularly concerning the identity of the victim and the potential motives behind the actions of Joyanna Vansant.
The community remains vigilant as they await more information, ensuring they remain aware of any developments in this serious and tragic situation. Meanwhile, local law enforcement emphasizes their commitment to ensuring public safety and transparency as investigations unfold.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Police Shooting
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Investigation
- My Horry News: Mother Seeking Answers
- WFMY News: Myrtle Beach Shooting Incident
- WMBF News: SLED Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach police shooting
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach news
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.
