Family Seeks Justice 10 Years After Memorial Day Weekend Shooting in Myrtle Beach
A Decade of Persisting Pain and Persistence
It has now been 10 years since the heart-wrenching Memorial Day weekend shooting that took place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Four innocent lives were tragically extinguished in the violence, including 22-year-old Sandy Gaddis Barnwell. As the disturbing event marks its 10th anniversary, the grief-stricken family perseveres in their pursuit of justice for Barnwell and the other victims.
A Plea for Information
“Our life is surviving every day. We are surviving gun violence every day,” confides Melody Gaddis McFadden, Sandy Barnwell’s aunt. On this grim occasion, she has renewed her urgent plea for information that could finally help apprehend those responsible for the horrific act of violence.
“People are always confused when I tell them this because there were so many people on the beach for Black Bike Week and Memorial Day weekend. The case is still unsolved,” McFadden lamented, shedding a light on just how long the agony of this unresolved case has been extended for the relatives of the victims.
A Night of Bedlam and Bloodshed
On May 24, 2014, reports of a large commotion between several individuals started pouring in from the vicinity of Ocean Boulevard near the Bermuda Sands Motel. Upon arrival to attend to this melee, police found themselves embroiled in an incident far more serious; a devastating act of gun violence had left Barnwell, 28-year-old Jamie Williams, 21-year-old Devonte Dantzler, and another unidentified person fatally wounded.
Unfortunately, despite the large number of potential witnesses, investigators are yet to piece together enough evidence to uncover the culprits, keeping a resolution unimaginably out of reach for the grief-stricken survivors.
Remembering Lost Lives
Barnwell’s family now looks towards a somber gathering as they prepare to hold a commemorative vigil for her and the other victims this weekend. Their palpable grief is a harrowing reminder of the toll an unsolved crime can inflict on surviving kin long after the act itself has been committed.
In the face of the long-lasting anguish, McFadden has made an impassioned appeal to anyone with information that can unlock the answers to her niece’s murder. “If they have any information about the murderers who took her life, they should give that information to Crime Stoppers or to their local police department. My sister’s only child did not come home from the beach,” she urged.
As the quest for justice continues, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the unending pain encountered by victims of unsolved crimes. The hope now lies in someone stepping forward with information that can finally bring closure to the families.
Source: HERE News Network; Author: HERE 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.
