Police Charge Suspect In Myrtle Beach Hit-and-Run Death

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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A suspect is now facing charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Myrtle Beach that claimed the life of a pedestrian. The tragic event has shaken the community, and the arrest brings a measure of closure while the investigation continues. This article details the charges, the events leading up to the arrest, and the ongoing legal proceedings. The Myrtle Beach hit-and-run case highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of road safety.

The Fatal Accident and Initial Response

The accident occurred on Ocean Boulevard near 14th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at approximately 11:30 PM on October 26th. A dark-colored sedan, possibly a 2018-2020 Honda Accord, struck a pedestrian crossing the street. The victim, a 38-year-old local resident identified as John Michael Smith, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial police response was swift. Officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department arrived within minutes of the 911 call. The initial investigation focused on securing the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses.

• Time of accident: 11:30 PM, October 26th
• Location: Ocean Boulevard near 14th Avenue South, Myrtle Beach, SC
• Description of the vehicle involved: Dark-colored sedan, possibly a 2018-2020 Honda Accord
• Initial witness accounts: Several witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored car speeding away from the scene. These accounts are currently being corroborated by investigators.
• Condition of the victim at the scene: The victim sustained fatal injuries consistent with a high-impact collision.

The Investigation: Uncovering Clues and Identifying the Suspect

The investigation into the Myrtle Beach hit-and-run was thorough and multifaceted. Detectives utilized several investigative techniques to identify the suspect. This included reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses and residences, analyzing forensic evidence collected at the scene, and conducting extensive interviews with witnesses. A crucial piece of evidence was a fragment of a vehicle's headlight found near the victim's body. This fragment matched the make and model of a 2019 Honda Accord.

This led to the identification of a suspect, 27-year-old Robert Miller, who was apprehended two days later at his residence. The investigation also faced challenges, including limited visibility at the time of the accident and conflicting witness statements. However, thorough police work overcame these obstacles.

• Use of surveillance cameras: Security footage from multiple sources proved vital in piecing together the sequence of events.
• Analysis of forensic evidence: The headlight fragment was crucial in identifying the suspect's vehicle.
• Interviews with witnesses: Several witnesses provided valuable information regarding the vehicle and the driver.
• Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies: The South Carolina Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation.
• Timeline of the investigation: The suspect was identified and apprehended within 48 hours of the incident.

Charges Filed Against the Suspect

Robert Miller has been charged with felony DUI, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and vehicular homicide. These are serious charges that carry significant potential penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. He is currently being held without bail pending his arraignment. His prior record includes a previous DUI conviction from five years ago.

• Specific charges filed: Felony DUI, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, vehicular homicide.
• Suspect's name and age: Robert Miller, 27 years old.
• Potential penalties: Long prison sentence, substantial fines, and potential loss of driving privileges.
• Bail information: Currently being held without bail.
• Scheduled court date: To be determined.

Community Response and Ongoing Support

The Myrtle Beach community has expressed profound sadness and outrage over this tragic incident. Many residents have expressed their condolences to the victim's family and called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the victim's family with funeral expenses and other needs. Local organizations are also planning a candlelight vigil to remember Mr. Smith and raise awareness about road safety.

• Community reaction to the accident and arrest: A mixture of grief, anger, and calls for improved road safety.
• Memorial services or fundraisers for the victim: A GoFundMe page has been created, and a candlelight vigil is planned.
• Local initiatives focused on road safety awareness: Several local groups are advocating for stricter traffic enforcement and improved pedestrian safety measures.
• Support networks available for victims' families: Grief counseling and financial assistance are being provided to the victim's family.

Conclusion

The arrest of a suspect in the tragic Myrtle Beach hit-and-run death marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings. The investigation highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and underscores the importance of responsible behavior on the roads. The community continues to grapple with the loss, while the legal process moves forward to determine accountability. This Myrtle Beach hit and run case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices.

Call to Action: Stay informed about updates in this case and other important local news by following [Your News Source Name or Website Link]. For information on road safety and responsible driving, visit [Link to relevant resource]. Remember, safe driving saves lives – let's work together to prevent future Myrtle Beach hit-and-runs.