Myrtle Beach Police Department releases reports on deadly officer-involved shooting.
The police reports have been released nearly two weeks after a deadly shooting in downtown Myrtle Beach that claimed the life of one and injured nearly a dozen others.
MBPD chief on officer-involved shooting: ‘This random act of violence brought tragedy to our community’
‘Screaming for help’: Teen recounts being shot during deadly Myrtle Beach officer-involved shooting
Reports obtained by WMBF News show officers “observed a disturbance” in the 900 block of Ocean Boulevard just before midnight on April 26. During the altercation, someone began firing a gun into a crowd. The report confirms 11 victims.
“Based on the immediate threat, an officer responded by discharging their firearm. The individual shot during the officer’s response passed away as a result of his injuries,” the report states.
We know the man killed has been identified as 18-year-old Jerrius Davis, of Bennettsville.
The report lists the incident as “justifiable homicide.”
As part of protocol for the police department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will handle an independent investigation, while MBPD conducts an internal investigation.
Earlier this week, one of the victims, Serenity Chavis, and her mother, Kendra Malloy, spoke to the media with True Healing Under God Founder John C. Barnett to call for transparency from the police department.
At the time, MBPD had not released any reports in the investigation, and according to Malloy, they had not contacted her or her daughter.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department and the city released a joint statement following the news conference.
“We are not familiar with Mr. Barnett or his organization, True Healing Under God (T.H.U.G). The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is actively investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 26, 2025. After consulting with SLED, MBPD is not releasing additional information at this time. This is a complex, ongoing investigation. SLED investigators are continuing to process evidence, interview witnesses and review video footage related to the incident.
Premature release of information could compromise the investigation and impact SLED’s ability to obtain facts that are not tainted by outside influences. As the facts about this incident become available from SLED, MBPD will release additional information. We understand the media and public wants additional information. However, we must balance that with the responsibility to protect the integrity of the investigation.”
