Myrtle Beach officials: Article claiming hate crime is false

“Despite what was published on a website that has become popular in recent weeks, there was no “hate crime” or “massacre” in Myrtle Beach on Saturday.

An article published on Newswatch33.com said that a group of white supremacists beat and killed two black teenagers, critically injuring a third, during a July Fourth festival on Saturday in Myrtle Beach.

The teens were said to have been wearing anti-Confederate flag T-shirts, according to the article. The article further states that the group of white supremacists was taken into custody. The article is accompanied by what appears to be a cell phone photograph taken during Memorial Day weekend near Landmark Resort while a traffic loop was in place on Ocean Boulevard.

Myrtle Beach police have no record of the alleged incident occurring this weekend.

“We are aware of the story and preparing a post on social media to advise our citizens and [guests],” police spokesman Lt. Joey Crosby said.

The post to the police department’s Facebook page read that they were aware of the false news story being circulated on social media.

“If you have seen the story or headline of 'Independence Day Massacre: 2 Black Teens Beaten To Death By White Supremacists, 1 In Critical Condition' that occurred in Myrtle Beach, this story is false and did not occur,” the Facebook post read. “Please continue to have a safe and fun week!”

Horry County deputy coroner Darris Fowler said there were no such deaths that have occurred in Myrtle Beach.

“I can assure you that I would know about that,” Fowler said.

The website was created on June 18 through GoDaddy.com, according to a domain search online.

The site appears to be filled with fake news articles. Other headlines seen on the site include “ISIS Use Shark Attacks As Part Of Terrorism Plot” and “Charleston Church Shooter Dylann Roof Offered Movie And Book Deal.”

The website has a disclaimer saying the information on the website is for “general information purposes only.”

“While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose,” the disclaimer reads. “Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.”

Representatives with the website could not be reached for comment Sunday.

“I'm speechless,” city spokesman Mark Kruea said when he learned of the article being circulated online. “To make up such lies and present them as ‘news’ defies explanation. Mean-hearted doesn’t begin to describe how insensitive this is. The real news media must expose this before it goes any further.”

This story was originally published July 5, 2015 at 7:38 PM with the headline "Myrtle Beach officials: Article claiming hate crime is false."