Murder suspect may be in US illegally, jail says. He allegedly killed Conway worker
A man accused of gunning down an employee at a Conway bar last week may be in the United States illegally.
Irving Oswaldo Gonzalez Centeno, 26, of Conway, was charged with murder in the shooting death of Lester Goldsmith on Aug. 15, 2025, at Rascal’s Bar and Grill in Conway.
Gonzalez Centeno remains in custody with an U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement hold, according to Horry County Sheriff’s spokesperson Brennan Cavanagh. Gonzalez Centeno remains in J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bail.
Horry County is among a number of counties in South Carolina that has an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement for screening and reporting those who may be in the country illegally.
The program, in partnership with ICE and part of the Illegal Immigration Act, allows staff members at J. Reuben Long Detention Center to screen those who are foreign-born and have been brought to the jail after being arrested by law enforcement. If the person is in the country illegally, they will be transferred into ICE custody.
Conway Police said that the shooting of Goldsmith, 41, of Aynor, occurred in what is believed to be a “disagreement” between bar staff and three individuals, according to a Facebook post by the police department. Investigators are unsure about any prior relationship between Goldsmith and the three suspects charged in the incident.
In addition to Gonzalez Centeno, two other people have been charged in the case. Herman Sanchez Herrera, 38, and Marcos Gutierrez-Vazquez, 26, both have been charged with public disorderly conduct.
Goldsmith was known as “Lil Man,” and tributes to him have been appearing on social media. He apparently worked at the bar as a second job, according to online posts.
Officers responded to Rascal’s Bar and Grill, 1221 16th Ave., Friday at 9:53 p.m. for reported shots fired, according to a Conway Police Facebook post. When police arrived, officers found a large crowd in the parking lot, an incident report said. Goldsmith was taken to a hospital where he later died.
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 12:23 PM.
