The Atlantic Beach BikeFest is one of the most popular urban events of the summer. For more than 30 years, thousands of motorcyclists and bike lovers have traveled to the South Carolina resort town to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.
However, this year’s event has been stained by violence. According to WMBF News, three people were killed and two others were injured in separate shootings.
The deadliest shooting occurred on Saturday night after a group began fighting at the Bermuda Sands motel. Keith Williams was shot during the initial altercation. While police assisted Williams, those involved in the fight went to the second floor of the hotel. Moments later, a gunman shot Jamie Williams, 28; Devonte Dantzler, 21; and Sandy Barnwell, 22. All three men died. Williams was treated at a local hospital.
On Sunday, two other people were wounded at the Wave Rider Resort. Although the violence shed a bad light on the annual event, some believe the shootings didn’t involve visitors who were in town for BikeFest.
Police are still investigating the deaths and have yet to reveal if the shootings were tied to BikeFest. In 2013, there were only two homicides during the entire year in Myrtle Beach.
