Police want public’s help to solve 2014 Memorial Day triple murder in Myrtle Beach

As the anniversary of three people being killed in Myrtle Beach approaches on Memorial Day weekend, area authorities say they have continued investigating the case and are waiting for someone with information to come forward.

“We all would like for the crime to be solved in 24 or 48 hours. Sometimes that’s impossible; people don’t come forward and tell what they saw,” 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said. “The fact it hasn’t been solved in a year doesn’t mean it won’t be solved.”

Devonte Dantzler, 21, Sandy Gaddis Barnwell, 22, both of Summerville, and Jamie Williams, 28, of Ladson each died from trauma they suffered from gunshot wounds during the May 24, 2014, incident at the Bermuda Sands Resort at 104 N. Ocean Blvd., Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler said at the time of the shooting.

Barwell was pronounced dead while being treated at Grand Strand Medical Center. Jamie Williams and Dantzler were pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, authorities said. Another man, Keith A. Williams, 25, was wounded.

Family members could not be reached Friday for comment.

Myrtle Beach police worked with Summerville police because the victims were from that area, but those authorities could not be reached Friday for comment either.

The shooting remains an active investigation. Myrtle Beach police Lt. Joey Crosby said detectives are seeking information from the public.

“It may be that one piece of information we need to solve this investigation. Whether they think it’s irrelevant or not, please contact us and let us know,” Crosby said. “That small piece of information can take the investigation and solve it for us.”

In the police report, officers were called at 11:03 p.m. May 24, 2014, about a large fight in the street in front of the hotel. Before officers arrived, they learned Keith Williams was hit by three shots.

Jamie Williams, Dantzler and Barnwell had gone to the second floor of the hotel after the fight when multiple gunshots were fired, hitting the trio, according to the report. Police believe the shooter ran out of the rear of the hotel and left the area.

Authorities believe someone saw something that could help.

“There was a large amount of people when this occurred, and we’re looking for that person to step forward and say, `I saw this occur,’” Crosby said. “For us, it’s very important to have this solved.”

Officials plan to broadcast messages about the shooting investigation during Memorial Day and will be available to receive information, Crosby said.

“We will be using social media before, during and after the festival to remind those who may be coming in who have information to give us a call,” Crosby said.

Richardson said it is frustrating to know that people have information but haven’t come forward to provide some comfort to the victims’ families.

“I think sometimes people don’t want to get involved, but there’s no excuse when there’s a tip line; there’s no excuse for not easing your conscious that way,” Richardson said. “People talk when they got back home. [The shooter’s] immediate family and friends know about it. He’s talked about it to someone. . . .The police can’t be everywhere; they can investigate, but it’s up to the community and the people who saw what took place to come forward.”

Richardson said anyone with information about the shooting but wants to remain anonymous should call Horry County police’s tip line at 843-915-8477.

“There is no statute of limitations on murder, so the good part is time is on our side. The bad thing if it’s not solved with 48 hours, it’s a lot harder to solve,” Richardson said. “A lot of times a person gets in trouble on another charge and will say, `I’ve got information on the murder that took place in Myrtle Beach in 2014,’ and sometimes that solves the case.”

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Police want public’s help to solve 2014 Memorial Day triple murder in Myrtle Beach."