New Developments in Shooting Case of North Myrtle Beach Businessman

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — New developments have emerged in the 2023 shooting involving prominent North Myrtle Beach businessman Weldon Boyd as Horry County officials call for a renewed investigation. On Thursday, Horry County Administrator Barry Spivey requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to take the lead in the case, following ongoing public interest and scrutiny.

The demand for further investigation was echoed by Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner, who reached out to Governor Henry McMaster, seeking intervention to prompt SLED’s involvement in the matter. This shooting, which occurred on September 9, 2023, has attracted national media attention, with outlets such as The Wall Street Journal seeking information about the investigation and departmental procedures.

Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt had previously announced that he would address “continuing questions” regarding the case. Spivey’s correspondence indicated confusion over jurisdiction; while SLED claims it is not the primary investigative body, Chief Leonhardt asserts that the case was transferred to avoid conflicts of interest. Adding complexity to the situation, the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has recused itself from the proceedings.

The incident originally involved 33-year-old Scott Spivey, identified as both the suspect and deceased in the shooting event. According to a 911 call placed by Boyd, he claimed Spivey pointed a gun at him while they were driving on Highway 9, suggesting a potential threat. Following a chase, Boyd reported to dispatch that Spivey was stopping, leading him to indicate they were “about to have a shootout.”

Witness accounts revealed dramatic moments; a bystander described the chaos, stating, “Somebody just unloaded, shot through his windshield and shot this guy.” As investigations continue, the Horry County Coroner’s Office is also involved in the case.

This week, Boyd voiced his frustration over what he describes as “flat out lies” regarding the incident, suggesting that information skewed in favor of Spivey’s family. His sister, Jennifer Spivey Foley, released a statement calling for a thorough evaluation of all evidence to achieve a just outcome. “Our family has only ever asked for the truth and for ALL of the evidence to be evaluated in my brother’s case for a fair and unbiased investigation,” Jennifer stated. “There are clearly major pieces of evidence that were overlooked, whether on purpose or by error, that we feel would have had a major impact on getting justice for my brother’s death.”

The situation remains ongoing as authorities and community leaders weigh their next steps in the case, marked by increased public scrutiny and calls for transparency.