In the summer of 2019, the Myrtle Beach community was shaken by the violent deaths of a beloved father and son, Stephen 'Sparky' Johnson Jr., a 46-year-old male, and his father, Stephen 'Steve' Johnson Sr. The tragic events unfolded on the evening of Friday, July 26, 2019, at the family-owned Waccamaw Bingo hall located just off U.S. 501 in Horry County.
The bustling bingo hall, filled with patrons, became the scene of a deadly armed robbery that would end two lives and leave a family shattered.
That night, a man with his face obscured by a bandana entered the establishment and demanded money. In the ensuing chaos, both Stephen Sr. and his son, Sparky, were fatally shot. Witnesses described a heroic attempt by the elder Johnson to thwart the robber, with his son rushing to his aid. Despite the efforts of those present to help the injured men, their wounds proved to be fatal. The suspect fled the scene, leaving a community in shock and mourning the loss of two of its well-regarded members. The Johnson family, who also owned several other businesses in the Sumter area, were remembered for their generosity and strong work ethic.
In the days that followed, the Horry County Police Department launched an intensive investigation, which led to the arrests of two suspects from Georgetown. Derrick Rivera, then 29, was identified as the gunman who entered the bingo hall and carried out the fatal shootings. His accomplice, 40-year-old Bradford Britton, was determined to be the driver of the getaway vehicle. Both men were charged with two counts of murder and two counts of armed robbery. Rivera faced additional charges of possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by a felon.
The legal proceedings brought some measure of closure to the grieving family and community. In October 2021, a jury found Derrick Rivera guilty on all charges, including two counts of murder and armed robbery. He was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison, in addition to 30 years for the armed robbery. His accomplice, Bradford Britton, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and attempted armed robbery. His sentencing was scheduled for a later date. The conviction of the men responsible for the senseless deaths of Stephen 'Sparky' Johnson Jr. and his father marked the culmination of a painful chapter for their loved ones.
