News Summary
The Conway community is in shock after President Biden commuted the death sentences of federal inmates, including Brandon Council, responsible for a tragic bank robbery in 2017. The decision has reignited pain for families affected by the robbery that resulted in the deaths of two local women. Local leaders and residents are expressing their anger and disappointment, viewing the commutation as a disregard for the victims and their families. The impact of these crimes continues to haunt the community, raising questions about justice and compassion.
Conway Community in Uproar Over Commutation of Death Sentences
In the small, tight-knit town of Conway, South Carolina, a recent announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the community. President Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, including Brandon Council, has reignited old wounds and sparked outrage among the residents, many of whom are still reeling from the tragic events surrounding the 2017 bank robbery that claimed the lives of two local women.
What Happened That Fateful Day?
The heart-wrenching incident occurred on August 21, 2017, when Brandon Council approached bank teller Donna Major at the CresCom bank counter. In a horrific turn of events, Council shot Major twice before fatally shooting another bank employee, Katie Skeen, at point-blank range after she screamed for help. After committing these brutal acts, Council fled, stealing money from the bank. Authorities soon apprehended him in North Carolina, where evidence directly linked him to the crime. This gruesome robbery shocked the residents of Conway, a community with approximately 27,000 residents, leaving behind a trail of grief and trauma.
Commutation Decision Stirs Controversy
On December 22, 2024, just two days before Christmas, the White House announced that Council’s death sentence had been commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision falls in line with Biden’s administration’s moratorium on federal executions, though exceptions remain for severe cases involving terrorism and hate crimes. However, in Conway, many believe that this decision shows a blatant disregard for the victims, their families, and the community’s suffering.
Local Leaders Speak Out
Following the president’s announcement, local leaders and community members voiced their concerns. They expressed frustration over what they view as a lack of empathy towards the families of the victims. The decision has been characterized by many as an injustice that undermines the efforts of law enforcement and the justice system. Residents are finding it hard to come to terms with the idea that the man who committed such heinous crimes has been granted a reprieve from the ultimate punishment.
Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, representing the local judicial system, articulated concerns about the message this commutation sends to victims’ families. The families of Major and Skeen have openly shared their disappointment, emphasizing that the commutation feels like a violation of justice. Heather Turner, Major’s daughter, remarked that the President’s decision reflects an unfortunate disregard for their pain and suffering.
Community Grieves and Reacts
Local community officials, along with U.S. Representative Russell Fry, have also expressed their concerns, labeling the commutation as a failure to uphold accountability and protect victims’ rights. The ripple effects of the crimes continue to haunt Conway, as residents are haunted by memories that are painfully fresh—many describing feelings of fear and devastation that the violence has left in its wake.
A Lasting Impact
As residents of Conway grapple with the emotional scars left by this tragedy, the community has banded together to support the families affected. The sorrow runs deep in this small town, where the loss of two young lives has impacted multiple generations. The prior wrongful death lawsuit filed against CresCom Bank by the estates of Major and Skeen has since been settled, but the emotional toll it took on the community lingers on.
The commutation decision arrives during a time when the Biden administration is focusing on reducing violent crime and promoting a more equitable justice system. However, for the residents of Conway, the decision leaves them questioning the balance between justice and compassion, all while confronting the shadows left by past horrors. In a town that prides itself on its close-knit bonds, the trauma lingers—reminding them that some wounds are not so easily healed.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Families of Victims React to Death Row Commutations
- WMBF News: Conway Bank Robbery Death Sentence Commuted
- WRDW: SC Killers’ Removal from Death Row Sparks Outrage
- Wikipedia: Death Penalty in the United States
- Horry News: Biden Commutes Sentence of Conway Bank Killer
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.
