Stephen Sparky Johnson Jr., 46, and his father Stephen Steve Johnson Sr. were killed during an armed robbery at their family’s Waccamaw Bingo hall just off U.S. 501 in Horry County on the evening of Friday, July 26, 2019. A man with his face obscured by a bandana entered the busy bingo hall and demanded money; witnesses described the elder Johnson trying to stop the robber while his son rushed to help. Both men were shot and died despite efforts by those present to aid them.

The Horry County Police Department investigated and arrested two suspects from Georgetown: Derrick Rivera, identified as the gunman, and Bradford Britton, accused of driving the getaway vehicle. Both were charged with two counts of murder and two counts of armed robbery; Rivera faced additional weapons charges. The deaths devastated a family known locally for owning several businesses and being generous members of the community.

Did anyone in the area have contact with the Johnsons or information about the robbery that could still be useful?