Edy Peter Boudagh, a 45-year-old man, was a beloved figure in the Loris, South Carolina community, known for his kindness and generosity. A devout Christian, he was often seen handing out Bibles to children and was considered a dear friend by many. His life was tragically cut short on the morning of Monday, May 16, 2016, during an armed robbery at his store, Loris Market & Beverages.
The community was left in mourning for a man described as a 'bright shining light.'
On that fateful morning, two men from North Carolina, Jonathan Stefan Vanderhorst and Jim Miller entered Boudagh's store with the intent to rob it. A third man, Demetrius Altman, drove them to the location. Inside, Vanderhorst brandished a firearm, firing a warning shot into the ceiling and another at Boudagh's wife, which fortunately missed her. Boudagh complied with their demands, handing over money from the cash register. Despite his cooperation, Vanderhorst fired two shots, fatally wounding the store owner.
The suspects fled the scene, sparking a four-hour manhunt involving Horry County police, detectives, a K-9 unit, and federal agents. Surveillance footage from the store was instrumental in identifying the perpetrators, leading to the swift arrests of Miller, then 26, and Vanderhorst, then 21. They were charged with murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault and battery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
In September 2018, justice was served for the murder of Edy Boudagh. Jonathan Stefan Vanderhorst, the man who pulled the trigger, was sentenced to 55 years in prison for his crimes, which also included a separate post office robbery. Jim Tracy, 28 at the time of sentencing, received a sentence of more than 21 years for his role in the crime spree. The driver, Demetrius Altman, then 39, was sentenced to 14 years behind bars. The sentencing brought a close to a tragic event that deeply impacted the small community of Loris.
