News Summary
Officer Paul Damon Vescovi has been terminated from the Horry County Police Department following an internal investigation into his conduct during a shooting investigation. This dismissal comes after significant policy violations were identified, including conduct unbecoming of an officer. The case, involving the fatal shooting of Scott Spivey, has attracted national attention regarding potential police misconduct. The investigation remains ongoing, with further scrutiny aimed at the actions of law enforcement officials connected to the case.
Horry County Officer Terminated Amid Ongoing Investigation
Horry County, SC – Officer Paul Damon Vescovi has been fired from the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) as of April 30, 2025, following an internal investigation into his conduct during a shooting investigation that occurred on September 9, 2023. This incident involved the death of Scott Spivey.
Vescovi, who had more than 20 years of service with the HCPD, was dismissed after the department found specific policy violations, including conduct unbecoming of an officer. HCPD Chief Kris Leonhardt noted that Vescovi’s behavior caused embarrassment to the county. Notably, body camera footage depicted Vescovi showing a note reading “Act Like a Victim Camera” to officers Weldon Boyd and Kenneth “Bradley” Williams shortly after the shooting.
While Boyd and Williams claimed self-defense in the shooting of Spivey, they have not faced any criminal charges as the case draws increasing national scrutiny for potential police misconduct. The ongoing investigation into the incident began as an internal inquiry by the department but was subsequently referred to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for possible misconduct.
History of Policy Violations
Vescovi’s dismissal follows a history of policy violations noted in his personnel file. In 2019, he was demoted after improperly brandishing his weapon while joking with a prisoner in a vehicle. That incident resulted in a three-day unpaid suspension and a demotion from a detective position back to patrol officer. He also faced a violation regarding the improper securing of a firearm in a county vehicle during the same year.
In subsequent years, Vescovi faced at least two additional confirmed “conduct unbecoming” violations in 2020 and 2021, although these were not reflected in his personnel history. His personnel file contains performance evaluations dating back to 2002; however, the last completed evaluation was from 2015.
Impact of the Investigation
This investigation has wider implications for the HCPD, especially as the case involving Spivey draws attention to potential biases and the response of law enforcement. Boyd’s conversations, which were recorded, raised further concerns about favoritism due to his connections within law enforcement. The investigation has led to scrutiny of the actions of higher officials, including Brandon Strickland, a former deputy chief who resigned in March amid ongoing inquiries related to the case.
The family of Scott Spivey has actively called for a re-examination of the case, expressing concerns over perceived police bias during the ongoing investigation. As the situation develops, Vescovi stands as the second officer connected to this case to leave the HCPD, indicating the depth of the issue facing the department.
Next Steps
Currently, Vescovi is under a pending criminal investigation, although no charges have been filed against him at this time. The complexities surrounding the shooting incident on Camp Swamp Road continue to engender public concern and demand accountability within the police department. The HCPD, alongside SLED, continues its investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice in a case that has captured the attention of the community and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Road Rage Shooting Lawsuit Dismissal Efforts in Longs
Concerns Rise Over Sexual Assault Cases in Myrtle Beach
Tragic Shooting in Longs, South Carolina Sparks Controversy
Myrtle Beach Police Department Promotes Mick Kathman as Deputy Chief
Myrtle Beach Pastor John-Paul Miller Faces Serious Legal Allegations
Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Escape in Beaufort County
Brandon Strickland Under Investigation Following Tragic Shooting
Myrtle Beach Pastor Faces Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Claims
Recent Arrests in Horry County Highlight Child Safety Issues
Myrtle Beach School Administrator Charged with Child Solicitation
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Police misconduct
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Horry County Police Department investigation
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- WISTV
- Google News: Horry County sergeant fired
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.
