Executive Summary
- Solicitor Barry Barnette has impaneled a State Grand Jury to investigate HCPD’s handling of the 2023 Spivey shooting case.
- SC Attorney General Alan Wilson requested the external review to ensure objectivity and avoid confirmation bias.
- The investigation focuses on police practices and protocols, separate from the previous “Stand Your Ground” ruling.
- New evidence, including 911 transcripts and officer interviews, was received in November 2025.
Seventh Judicial Circuit Solicitor Barry J. Barnette has impaneled a South Carolina State Grand Jury to review the practices and protocols of the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) regarding its investigation into the 2023 shooting involving Weldon Boyd and Scott Spivey. The move marks a significant procedural step in the ongoing scrutiny of the department’s handling of the incident.
The decision to convene the State Grand Jury follows a specific request from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson’s office previously ruled on the initial case, determining that Weldon Boyd was entitled to immunity under “Stand Your Ground” protections based on the evidence provided by HCPD at the time. However, Wilson indicated that a secondary, independent review was necessary to address allegations regarding the integrity of the police investigation itself.
According to statements made by Attorney General Wilson on a podcast released in December, referring the case to Solicitor Barnette was essential to avoid “confirmation bias.” Wilson noted that because his team relied on HCPD’s findings for the initial immunity ruling, an external solicitor should handle the inquiry into potential police misconduct. “If there is new information within the police misconduct investigation that would change the outcome of the ‘Stand Your Ground’ determination made by my office, the solicitor has the authority to re-evaluate that as well,” Wilson wrote in a letter to Barnette dated October 3.
New documentation relevant to the case, including transcripts of 911 calls and officer interviews, was reportedly received on November 18, 2025. These records are expected to be central to the State Grand Jury’s review of how the road rage shooting on Highway 9 in Longs was processed by local authorities.
Investigative Authority and Scope
The impaneling of a State Grand Jury provides prosecutors with broad investigative powers, including the ability to subpoena witnesses and documents across county lines. Under South Carolina law, this body has jurisdiction to investigate matters of public corruption and official misconduct. This phase of the inquiry is focused strictly on the procedural adherence and conduct of the Horry County Police Department. It is important to note that the impaneling of a grand jury is an investigative tool and does not imply guilt; all individuals and entities involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
