In the early afternoon of June 18, 2024, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of the Walsh Drive Apartments in Hardeeville, South Carolina, leaving two residents dead. One of the victims was 38-year-old Bernard Lyles, a male resident of the community. The incident began with a dispute in the parking lot of the apartment complex involving Lyles, another resident named Alesia Dykes, and a man identified as Charles Saunders.
Following the initial altercation, Saunders allegedly followed
Lyles and the 40-year-old Dykes into an apartment and opened fire. Dykes was pronounced dead at the scene, while Lyles was critically wounded and rushed to the nearby Coastal Carolina Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his multiple gunshot wounds. The tragic event prompted a swift and intensive investigation by the Hardeeville Police Department.
A multi-hour manhunt for the suspected shooter ensued, leading law enforcement about 15 miles away to the town of Ridgeland. There, authorities located and arrested the 49-year-old Saunders, a resident of New York City who reportedly has family in Jasper County. He was taken into custody at a Waffle House, his capture aided by tips from the public and the use of Flock cameras, an AI-powered vehicle recognition system. Saunders has been charged with two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He has reportedly been uncooperative with investigators, and a motive for the double homicide has not been released. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Bernard Lyles and Alesia Dykes.
