Lawsuit Accuses North Myrtle Beach Restaurant Owner of Killing Man in ‘Hail of Gunfire’

Family of Deceased Files Wrongful Death Suit

The family of a Horry County man who was fatally shot in the Longs area is pressing charges against the man purportedly responsible for his killing. A wrongful death lawsuit was launched on Monday by the estate of Scott Spivey against Weldon Boyd, owner of Buoy’s on the Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, and Kenneth Williams, who was a passenger in Boyd’s vehicle.

Background of the Incident

The lawsuit alleges the deadly incident happened on September 9, 2023. Spivey was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado, and Boyd was behind the wheel of a white Dodge Ram. A disagreement occurred between the pair at the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 9, instigating Boyd to chase Spivey down the highway.

Efforts by Spivey to discourage Boyd’s pursuit through a “brake check,” only caused Boyd and Williams to continue pursuing, threatening and following Spivey more aggressively, despite having no imminent threat to their safety.

The plaintiff posits that Boyd’s 911 call attests that he was in pursuit of Spivey. In the recorded call, Boyd is heard informing the dispatcher that he would “take down” Spivey if he saw a gun. At this point, the lawsuit contends, Spivey was trying to elude Boyd, and had not posed any threats.

The narrative details how Spivey turned onto Camp Swamp Road and halted his vehicle. He confronted Boyd, asking him why he was following him, and asked to be left alone. It was shortly after this verbal exchange that the fatal shots were fired.

Lawsuit Accusations

The lawsuit alleges that Boyd and Williams initiated an unprovoked, deadly shooting at Spivey, inundating him with a “hail of gunfire.” However, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office had earlier refused to prosecute Boyd in relation to Spivey’s death due to insufficient evidence.

Reflecting on the details of the incident, some of the numerous 911 calls reveal accounts of Spivey reportedly driving recklessly whilst brandishing a gun and driving aggressively towards Boyd’s truck. After the shooting, Boyd stayed on the line with dispatchers, stating that Spivey was the one who fired the initial shot.

The wrongful death lawsuit contends against Boyd and Williams for allegations of civil assault, civil battery, and wrongful death. The suit demands damages to be ascertained by a jury during trial proceedings.