News Summary
Robert O’Donnell, Georgetown’s municipal judge, has announced his retirement following an arrest on domestic violence charges. The incident involved an altercation with his wife, leading to visible injuries and a diagnosis of a broken wrist. O’Donnell, who has served nearly five decades, will transition from his role amid discussions about the responsibilities of public officials. The situation raises important concerns regarding allegations of domestic violence and how they are addressed in the community.
Georgetown, South Carolina – Robert O’Donnell, the 77-year-old municipal judge of Georgetown, announced his retirement on July 18, 2025, just one day after being arrested on a domestic violence charge involving an altercation with his wife, Robin. The incident reportedly occurred on July 17 when Robin O’Donnell accused her husband of pushing her out of a moving vehicle after a heated argument.
Authorities responded to the scene, where officers found Robert O’Donnell in a white Cadillac and his wife outside the vehicle with visible injuries. Robin exhibited red marks and a severely swollen wrist, which led to her being transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Medical staff later confirmed a diagnosis of a broken right wrist as a result of the incident.
According to reports, the couple had been drinking at a restaurant in Myrtle Beach prior to their return home, where the argument escalated. Robin was unable to recall the exact details of their disagreement but mentioned that Robert forcibly opened the passenger door and pushed her out of the car while it was still in motion. Robert O’Donnell contested this narrative, alleging that the couple was arguing about their dog and claimed that Robin grabbed the steering wheel during the dispute. He admitted that she sustained injuries when she attempted to re-enter the vehicle after being pushed out.
A witness corroborated part of Robin’s account, observing her lying on the ground before trying to get back into the car. Following the incident, law enforcement treated Robert for blood on his clothing, which was observed when he arrived at the scene. He was subsequently booked at the Georgetown County Detention Center, and his bond was set at $2,500. O’Donnell has since been released.
Prior to these events, Robert O’Donnell was slated to move to an associate judge position, with Ranny Stephens appointed as the new top judge, effective August 1. O’Donnell’s tenure as Georgetown’s municipal judge had spanned nearly five decades, having served since 1976. His retirement announcement, confirmed by Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe, was a direct result of the recent incident.
Following his arrest, neither Robert O’Donnell nor his legal counsel has provided any public statements regarding the matter. The case has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the responsibilities of public officials, particularly in the judiciary, who are held to high standards both in their professional and personal lives.
The Georgetown community now faces the process of transitioning to new judicial leadership as the events surrounding O’Donnell unfold. Local authorities emphasize the importance of addressing allegations of domestic violence and supporting victims in similar situations. As the investigation continues, the impact of this incident and O’Donnell’s resignation will likely resonate within the city and beyond.
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- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
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.
