News Summary
Weldon Boyd seeks dismissal of a lawsuit linked to a road rage shooting in Longs, South Carolina, where victim Scott Spivey was killed. Boyd claims self-defense, while the Attorney General did not file charges due to insufficient evidence. The case has sparked investigations and community concern over law enforcement integrity, prompting demands for an independent review. A hearing on the motions for immunity is forthcoming, as tensions rise within the community.
Longs, South Carolina – Road Rage Shooting Lawsuit Dismissal Efforts Underway
The owner of a well-known North Myrtle Beach restaurant, Weldon Boyd, is seeking to have a lawsuit dismissed related to a deadly road rage shooting that occurred in September 2023. The lawsuit was filed by Jennifer Foley, the sister of the shooting victim, Scott Spivey, who was killed along Camp Swamp Road in Longs.
Boyd contends that he shot Spivey in self-defense during a road rage encounter. The South Carolina Attorney General’s office has opted not to file any criminal charges against Boyd or his passenger, Kenneth Williams, citing insufficient evidence. A hearing to discuss motions filed in the lawsuit is scheduled for the week of June 9, where Boyd and Williams will argue for immunity and dismissal of the lawsuit, as well as seek compensation for their legal fees if their motion is successful.
The legal proceedings have intensified as Foley’s legal team has requested access to deleted Facebook Messenger messages exchanged between Boyd and Williams, aiming to uncover more information surrounding the incident. In a counter-move, Boyd has filed a motion to quash a subpoena that seeks his medical records, adding another layer to the ongoing legal battle.
Investigations Prompted by Incident
The road rage shooting case has sparked extensive internal investigations, including a probe by the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The investigations have led to significant personnel changes within the HCPD; former Deputy Chief Brandon Strickland resigned amid allegations of misconduct shortly after the incident. Additionally, Sergeant Paul Vescovi was terminated for policy violations linked to the investigation.
Concerns regarding the integrity of the investigation were further compounded when body camera footage revealed Vescovi advising Boyd and Williams to ‘act like a victim’ shortly after the shooting incident. Furthermore, an internal review disclosed improper handling and mislabeling of seven dashcam videos connected to the shooting investigation, prompting HCPD Chief Kris Leonhardt to indicate that disciplinary actions may follow, potentially affecting up to three officers.
Community Response and Ongoing Distrust
The shooting and subsequent investigations have triggered considerable concern within the community. Foley has expressed her dissatisfaction regarding both the investigation process and potential conflicts of interest due to Boyd’s connections with former HCPD officials. The lack of criminal charges against Boyd, due to the Attorney General’s office citing insufficient evidence, has only fueled community distrust of law enforcement’s handling of the case.
Reportedly, Spivey was followed by Boyd and Williams for over six minutes at high speeds before the fatal shooting occurred. In 911 calls made by Boyd, he alleged that Spivey pointed a gun at them while driving, which Boyd cites as justification for the shooting as an act of self-defense.
The heightened scrutiny has led Foley to formally request the appointment of a special prosecutor independent of the Attorney General’s office to conduct a comprehensive review of the case. Local leaders and community members have echoed her concerns, expressing doubts about the investigation’s integrity and the possibility of misconduct by law enforcement officials involved.
As the legal proceedings and investigations continue, the outcome remains uncertain. The community of Longs is closely monitoring developments as they seek answers regarding the tragic events of that September evening.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Police Provide Update on Internal Investigation
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
- My Horry News: Insistence on Justice from Victim’s Sister
- Google Search: Road Rage Shooting
- WMBF News: Restaurant Owner’s Attempt to Dismiss Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawsuit
- WBTW News: Call for Independent Review by Lawmakers
- Google News: Horry County Shooting
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.
