Matthew Shane Autry, a 29-year-old male, was killed on July 27, 2018, in a brutal double homicide in the Socastee area near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His life was cut short in what authorities described as a drug-related killing, though his family maintains he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and was not involved with drugs. On that fateful day, Autry had reportedly gotten a ride from the other victim, 35-year-old Shawn Anderson.
Shortly before his death, Autry sent a text to a friend saying he had found a ride and would be there soon.
The events that followed were horrific. Both Autry and Anderson were shot and stabbed. Their bodies were then placed in a car which was driven to a location off Butler Road near Enterprise Road and set on fire. The discovery of the burned vehicle with their remains inside launched a homicide investigation that quickly led to several arrests. The nature of his death meant his family could not have a proper burial and faced a long wait for his remains to be returned.
The investigation into the murders resulted in charges against multiple individuals. Michael Faile, Zachary Stell, William Tatum, and David Cook were all charged with murder. Jeret Cox and Miranda Owens faced charges of accessory after the fact. As the case proceeded through the legal system, some of the accused faced justice. David Cook pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter and received a 16-year prison sentence. During his sentencing hearing, Cook detailed the gruesome events, stating that Stell, a U.S. Marine, shot both Autry and Anderson. He also claimed that after discovering Anderson was still alive, Stell slit his throat.
Another co-defendant, William Tatum, entered an Alford plea to charges of possession of heroin and accessory after the fact to murder. In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a conviction. Tatum was sentenced to seven years in prison, which was suspended in favor of five years of probation. The tragic death of Matthew Autry left behind a grieving family, including a young daughter who was awaiting his return for her seventh birthday.
