On the morning of July 24, 2018, a dispute that began inside a Pawleys Island nightclub moved outside onto Petigru Drive and ended with the death of 24-year-old Lamar Easterling. Witnesses say the argument between Easterling and 27-year-old Damien Chevere Grate escalated; Grate reportedly shot Easterling in the chest. Deputies arriving about 2:30 a.m. found two injured men on the ground. Easterling was taken to Waccamaw Hospital and later died; Grate was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center after being assaulted by onlookers.

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office identified Grate as the suspect and charged him with murder, felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community. Lamar Easterling was remembered as a caring, humorous, and loving young man who never met a stranger.

Did anyone in the area witness the argument inside the club or the events on Petigru Drive that night?