James Dewitt II, a 52-year-old Black man from Columbia, South Carolina, was a respected community member and a recently elected councilman for the town of Atlantic Beach. He was described as energetic, positive, and very active in the community he served, splitting his time between Atlantic Beach and his home in Columbia. He and his wife of many years, Gloria Dewitt, also 52, were known by neighbors as a well-loved couple.
Their lives, however, were cut short in a tragedy that spanned two counties.
The events began to unfold on Sunday, October 9, 2022. That afternoon, police in Horry County responded to a home outside Conway, where they discovered the body of 52-year-old Natasha Stevens. Investigators quickly determined her death was a homicide. Later that evening, around 7 p.m., deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the Dewitts' home on Greensprings Drive for a welfare check. Inside, they made a devastating discovery: both James and Gloria Dewitt were found dead, having suffered apparent gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the three deaths quickly pointed to a single suspect: Matthew Allen Dewitt, the 25-year-old son of James and Gloria. He was taken into custody the following day, October 10, in the town of Atlantic Beach. Investigators believe he acted alone. Matthew Dewitt was also connected to the death of Natasha Stevens, who was identified as his cousin. According to arrest warrants, he confessed to her killing after being read his rights. A motive for the attacks has not been publicly released.
Matthew Dewitt was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the deaths. After an initial court appearance, a judge ordered him to be held in custody without bond. On April 17, 2024, a Richland County grand jury formally indicted him on murder charges for the deaths of his parents.
The case against him is proceeding in both Richland and Horry counties. As of June 2024, Matthew Dewitt has been undergoing court-ordered mental evaluations. The outcome of these evaluations will help determine when, or if, he will stand trial for the crimes.
