Myrtle Beach Bars Face Lawsuit Following Tragic Shooting
The coastal charm of Myrtle Beach took a somber turn recently as two local establishments find themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Barfield’s Bar and Grille and Klocker’s Tavern are currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit following a tragic incident that occurred last year.
What Happened?
It all began on the night of October 18, 2023, when a young man named Starquan Washington, just 23 years old, was shot outside Barfield’s, located at 4803 Highway 17 Bypass. Tragically, Washington ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was not alone in this incident – he was one of two individuals who suffered gunshot wounds that night.
Things began to spiral for Barfield’s after the South Carolina Department of Revenue stepped in, filing for an emergency suspension of the bar’s alcohol permits just a week after the incident. By October 25, Barfield’s officially closed its doors.
The Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit pinpoints not only Barfield’s but also Klocker’s Tavern and a security service called Big Beach Bouncers. It claims that while Washington was at Barfield’s, another man, Kvon Tyrese Lawhorn, was allowed to enter the bar while carrying a concealed firearm. Allegedly, Lawhorn handed over his firearm to an employee, who kept it behind the bar until he was ready to leave. Once he retrieved his gun, Lawhorn made his way to Klocker’s with Washington.
According to the suit, it was outside Klocker’s where things turned deadly, with Lawhorn allegedly shooting Washington. The suit argues that based on prior incidents of violence and criminal activities linked to both bars, these establishments had a clear responsibility to protect their patrons and to enforce proper security measures.
Past Troubles
It’s important to note that the Horry County Police had previously responded to several calls at both Barfield’s and Klocker’s, which included issues like noise complaints, fights, narcotic violations, and even reports of shots fired. In fact, the police reports indicate a troubling history of disturbances leading up to the tragic incident that took place in October.
Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of Washington’s death, Lawhorn was charged, but interestingly enough, the case against him was dismissed earlier this year. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation for Barfield’s and Klocker’s as they face the scrutiny of this lawsuit. The bar owners and their security services could potentially be held liable for the events that transpired that fateful night.
As the court proceedings are underway, there are mounting questions about safety and responsibility in Myrtle Beach’s nightlife scene. Many locals are understandably anxious, wanting to ensure that places meant for relaxation and fun maintain an environment that keeps patrons safe.
Community Response
The Myrtle Beach community is left grappling with this tragedy. Many are reflecting on how nightlife can be both enjoyable and safe with the right precautions. As the news unfolds, folks are hoping that lessons learned from this lawsuit could help foster a more secure atmosphere for all who come to enjoy the beach, bars, and everything else this beautiful area has to offer.
It’s a reminder that while our beaches bring joy to so many, safety and responsibility must always come first. Hopefully, this is a turning point for local bars to take a closer look at their security practices and ensure that everyone can have a good time without fear.
