Crime
Victim Fatally Shot at Peaches Corner in Myrtle Beach Identified as Grayson Meyers
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A deadly shooting at Peaches Corner, a long-standing and beloved family restaurant in Myrtle Beach since 1937, claimed the life of Grayson Meyers on Friday night.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department confirmed the victim’s identity as the investigation into the incident continues.
The alleged shooter, identified as 17-year-old Evany McCray of Conway, has been charged as an adult. McCray faces multiple charges, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a person under 18.
According to authorities, the shooting unfolded around 11:15 p.m. after an altercation broke out inside the restaurant between McCray—an employee at Peaches Corner—and Meyers. During the confrontation, McCray allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband and opened fire.
Meyers was struck by gunfire inside the restaurant and later succumbed to his injuries. A second individual, who was walking across the crosswalk at 9th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard, was also hit by gunfire.
That person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Lieutenant Allen Amick of the Myrtle Beach Police Department provided further details, stating that officers responded swiftly, detaining the suspect within a minute of the shooting while additional officers administered aid to the victims.
“I heard the shots, and then the police just immediately came down here, shutting off the entire section of the street,” said Zion Atkinson, a tourist visiting from West Virginia.
Another tourist from Vermont, who asked not to be named, expressed concern for the future of her grandchildren. “I have one who’s 19 and the rest are younger. I’m worried about what they’re growing up in—this kind of thing didn’t used to happen so often.”
During the Saturday court appearance, McCray’s bond was denied for the assault and battery charge, while the two weapons-related charges carried bonds of $250,000 each.
Assistant Police Chief Chris Smith addressed the broader issue of youth violence in the community, noting, “Unlawful possession of firearms by juveniles continues to be a nationwide concern.”
Myrtle Beach enforces a curfew requiring individuals under 18 to be off the streets between midnight and 6 a.m., with exceptions such as traveling to and from work. Officials clarified that McCray was legally exempt due to being present at his place of employment during the incident.
Police Chief Amy Prock echoed the urgent need to address both local and national contributing factors, including firearm access. “We need to take action to address violence in our community,” said Chief Prock. “But we also need to look beyond the local level and work together with legislators to develop real solutions.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Community members can contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department or provide tips anonymously.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.