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South Carolina attorney general Alan Wilson‘s office has determined the Palmetto State’s ‘Protection of Persons and Property Act’ — commonly known as the “Stand Your Ground” law — applied in the 2023 shooting death of Scott Spivey.
According to the attorney general, Charles Weldon Boyd and Bradley Kenneth Williams were acting within the bounds of the law when they shot and killed the Tabor City, North Carolina insurance adjuster on the side of a rural Horry County road in September of that year.
“The legal analysis of this case was reviewed by multiple career prosecutors within the office of the Attorney General, who all reached the same conclusion,” a statement from Wilson’s office noted. “We have continued to review all information and evidence provided to us by law enforcement, including eyewitness statements, toxicology reports, video evidence, and forensic analysis.”
The end result of this continued review?
“Our analysis has remained the same,” the statement concluded.
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RELATED | UNSOLVED CAROLINAS: THE ROADSIDE SHOOTING OF SCOTT SPIVEY
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Spivey’s case has attracted nationwide attention following the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit by his sister, Jennifer Spivey. Since the suit was filed in June 2024, newly released information has exposed a disturbing pattern of corruption within the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). In fact, the department’s mishandling of the investigation remains under review by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Immediately following the shooting – but before law enforcement arrived on the scene – Boyd placed a call to his friend, HCPD chief deputy Brandon Strickland, who has since resigned in the wake of an internal investigation. A second officer, Paul Vescovi, was terminated weeks later after body cam footage taken at the scene showed him signaling Boyd to “act like a victim”.
HCPD declined to press criminal charges against the self-confessed shooters — despite claims of self-defense that appeared to contradict Boyd’s own 911 call, in which he described pursuing Spivey on the highway prior to the confrontation on Camp Swamp Road.
Absent criminal charges, the case now hinges on the outcome of the civil litigation. A critical immunity hearing in the wrongful death suit is expected this fall which could determine the future of the case. Under South Carolina law, a finding of lawful self-defense would shield Boyd and Williams from both criminal prosecution and civil liability.
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In the civil case, Boyd and Williams gained some ground on Monday (August 4, 2025) when a court order (.pdf) called for HCPD to share biological samples with the defense so they can be independently tested.
Attorneys for Boyd and Williams had requested a hair sample from Spivey for steroid testing, arguing that evidence of steroid use — even if dated — could help explain Spivey’s behavior and mental state. Attorneys for Spivey’s family fought that request, referring to it as “junk science.”
While the attorney general’s office claimed its decision was based on a review of forensic analysis, toxicology, video evidence and witness statements, its conclusion leaves open the possibility that new evidence could prompt a reevaluation:
“Our office takes every loss of life seriously and remains committed to pursuing justice,” the statement noted. “If new material evidence comes to light, whether through the ongoing civil proceedings, further investigation, or new reports to law enforcement, we are fully prepared to reevaluate the case. We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement. The pursuit of justice does not expire, and we remain open to all credible evidence that could change the legal landscape of this case.”
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We had lunch with the Spivey family today, standing together in the pursuit of justice.
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) June 17, 2025
God Bless the Spivey family and may Scott Spivey rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LslRCdihdm
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That’s a diplomatic statement — but one unlikely to quell public criticism from those who believe Boyd and Williams should be prosecuted for their role in Spivey’s death. It also signals that the case may become a flashpoint in South Carolina politics, with U.S. congresswoman Nancy Mace – who is running against Wilson in the 2026 governor’s race in the Palmetto State – publicly supporting the Spivey family.
As we have from the beginning, FITSNews will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this case — including its implications for South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law and ongoing allegations of misconduct within the Horry County Police Department.
We will also continue to track its political implications and any impact the case could have on the Palmetto State’s gubernatorial race.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Callie Lyons is a relentless investigative journalist, researcher, and author known for exposing hard truths with heart and precision. As a journalist for FITSNews, she dives into high-profile and murky cases—like that of Mica Francis Miller— with fearless resolve and a sharp eye for detail, whether it’s tracking white-collar crime, uncovering religious abuse, or examining the often-bizarre behavior of those who believe they’re above the law.
Callie made waves with her groundbreaking 2007 book Stain-Resistant, Nonstick, Waterproof and Lethal, the first to reveal the dangers of forever chemicals, a story that helped inspire the film Dark Waters and influenced global scientific dialogue. Her work has appeared in numerous documentaries, including Toxic Soup, National Geographic’s Parched: Toxic Waters, and more recently Citizen Sleuth, which examines the complexities of true crime podcasting.
Whether she’s navigating environmental disasters or the darker corners of society, Lyons operates with one guiding belief: “Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
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8 comments
Absoeffinglutely stupid. Wilson, if you’re really that dumb, you need to find other employment.
Spivey sounds to have been a danger to the public. I think AG Wilson and his office have ruled correctly on this. Nancy Mace continues to demonstrate how desperate she is to get traction and relevancy, two things she likely will never have. Hopefully, Boyd and Williams are freed from any civil burden from this incident.
What a coincidence that Spivey (the dead guy) just happened to be dating Weldon Boyd (the shooters) ex girlfriend, and that Boyd even chased Spivey for 6 minutes before shooting him.
You seem to have inside info, why not share the alleged paramours name with prosecutors so they can speak with her
I listened to the tape recordings of Boyd’s 911 call, and the call to his mother stating that he had just killed someone on a Podcast from a Low Country investigative reporter. Wow! How disappointing that the Good Ole Boy network is still alive and well. Still doing thumbing its nose at We The People. Sickening.
This is absolutely astonishing. A good ole boy can follow someone for 9 miles – speeding to keep up and then shoot him. Claiming stand your ground is absurd. All he had to do was not turn on Camp Swamp Rd. Anyone that believes Boyd is innocent has not heard all the evidence and recorded calls. DO YOUR JOB ALAN
People really don’t understand the “Just us” system and how it really works. If they did there would be a revolution and, much like the French, there would be heads rolling down the steps of the statehouse.
Allan Wilson would most assuredly be one in that very long line.
Alan Wilson is an empty suit. The timing of this was fully vetted by his consultants (because he is totally unauthentic) and they decided this was the “right time” to do this but hey let’s “leave the door open” for any “new evidence” and right after Nancy Mace announces.
This guy will be a do nothing Governor, running to his consultants before he makes any decisions because he has no original thoughts.
Oh and not to mention he is beholden to many people so if you want change in this state, vote for Nancy Mace.
She’s authentic
She’s fearless
Weldon Boyd does not want her in the Governors seat. That alone gets my vote.