Myrtle Beach man charged with murder after Thursday killing at Socastee area home, police say

Correction: The location of Thursday’s killing was incorrect. The person that was killed lived in Leonard Loop in the Socastee area. (Updated: 8:50 p.m. 4/25/2023)

A Myrtle Beach man has been charged with murder following a Thursday night stabbing in the Socastee area.

Horry County police said Zackery Ray Stout, 36, of Myrtle Beach, was arrested hours after the incident off Leonard Loop.

According to a police report, Stout stabbed and slashed a person “multiple times” over a 3-minute span. Surveillance footage showed him entering and then leaving the residence wearing different clothing.

Police said a witness corroborated Stout’s presence, and a blood-stained shirt consistent with one he wore upon arrival was found at the scene.

The incident happened about 9 p.m., police said.

Police were called to the residence in reference to a suspicious death, according to an incident report. Upon arrival, the officer was flagged down by a person who said that they had come to check on the victim because he was not answering his phone. The person said they went into the home and found the victim on the kitchen floor.

The name of the victim has not been released.

Leonard Loop is located near the Carolina Bays Parkway and S.C. Highway 707.

Stout was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center Friday.

Horry County Police had been searching for Stout earlier Friday in regards to the killing.

This story was originally published April 21, 2023 at 11:38 AM.