Deadly violence rocks Myrtle Beach downtown boardwalk area

A deadly shooting on Ocean Boulevard left one teenager dead and 11 others injured, prompting a swift response from Myrtle Beach police and fire crews.

Three officers were placed on administrative leave while state officials launch an investigation into the officer-involved shooting near Ripley's Mirror Maze.

Local business owners like those at E-Z Eats Cafe and Wacky T’s say they often feel unsafe during crowded weekend nights and have cut their hours in response to late-night disturbances.

The Downtown Alliance postponed its Spring Business Summit and hasn’t shared new safety plans, while online, residents and tourists debated downtown's safety and shared personal accounts. Ocean Boulevard has since reopened, but questions remain about what led to the violence and how the city will address public safety going forward.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Police can be seen Sunday investigating an area outside a business. A shooting happened along North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach on Saturday, April 26, 2025. An officer had to discharge their firearm. It appears at least two people were shot. By Emalyn Muzzy

NO. 1: 11 INJURED, 1 KILLED AFTER DOWNTOWN MYRTLE BEACH SHOOTING. POLICE FIRED AT SHOOTER

A bystander said he saw a Myrtle Beach Police officer fire at the shooter near the boardwalk. Coroner named the victim. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson Emalyn Muzzy

Myrtle Beach Fire Department has responded to a report of a gas leak along the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach. A section of the boardwalk from the SkyWheel to the Gay Dolphin has been closed. April 27, 2025 By Emalyn Muzzy

NO. 2: POPULAR SECTION OF MYRTLE BEACH BOARDWALK CLOSED. FIRE CREWS ON THE SCENE. WHAT WE KNOW

Myrtle Beach Fire Department has closed a popular section of the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach. Here’s what we know about the incident. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson Emalyn Muzzy

North Ocean Boulevard from Eighth Avenue to Mr. Joe White Avenue is closed after a shooting happened Saturday, April 26, 2025. Multiple people were shot and an officer had to discharge their weapon.

NO. 3: 11 INJURED AND ONE DEAD IN MYRTLE BEACH SHOOTING. HOW LOCALS REACTED ONLINE

11 people were injured and one person died as a result of a shooting in downtown Myrtle Beach. In its aftermath, here’s what community members said about it. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

A Myrtle Beach Police oficer shot an armed teenager along North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach. Police closed off the main drag the morning after the shooting while investigating the crime scene. April 27, 2025 By Emalyn Muzzy

NO. 4: MYRTLE BEACH POLICE OFFICER SHOOTS TEENAGER ALONG BOULEVARD. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Myrtle Beach police shot an armed teen on North Ocean Boulevard. Here is how Myrtle Beach Police will handle the investigation and “involved officer.” | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

A Myrtle Beach police vehicle sits in the median of Ocean Boulevard in the high traffic tourist area where a shooting incident this weekend claimed the life of one man and left 11 people injured. April 28, 2025. By Jason Lee

NO. 5: WILL MYRTLE BEACH SHOOTING IMPACT DOWNTOWN SAFETY PLANS? WHAT WE KNOW

The Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance claims safety as part of its impact, but as of Monday afternoon, it hasn’t released a statement on the shooting. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

Police officers investigate the site at Ripley’s Mirror Maze where Jerrius Davis was shot and killed in downtown Myrtle Beach late on April 26. April 27, 2025 By Emalyn Muzzy

NO. 6: HOW MANY POLICE OFFICERS ARE ON LEAVE AFTER A MASS SHOOTING IN DOWNTOWN MYRTLE BEACH, SC?

Three Myrtle Beach officers are on leave after a shooting left one teen dead. SLED is investigating the officer’s use of force in the South Carolina incident. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

Monday morning was quiet and peaceful along Ocean Boulevard and the Myrtle Beach Boardway but after a shooting in the high traffic tourist area Saturday night that left one man dead and 11 other injured, some businesses say that the area feels dangerous at night when young adults move in. April 28, 2025. By Jason Lee

NO. 7: MYRTLE BEACH OFFICIALS SAY DOWNTOWN IS SAFE. BOARDWALK EMPLOYEES DISAGREE AFTER SHOOTING

Myrtle Beach employees share safety concerns about downtown nightlife, as officials maintain the boardwalk is safe for millions of visitors yearly. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.