On Friday, August 15, 2025, a deadly shooting occurred at Rascal's Bar and Grill in Conway, South Carolina, which ultimately resulted in the death of 41-year-old Lester Goldsmith. The bar where the shooting occurred is located about 30 minutes outside Myrtle Beach on Highway 501.
The shooting happened after 26-year-old Irving Oswaldo Gonzalez-Centeno reportedly had a disagreement with the bar's staff. According to articles about the incident, the dispute escalated and Gonzalez-Centeno allegedly shot Goldsmith. Goldsmith was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Horry County Sheriff's Office arrested three men in connection with the shooting. Gonzalez-Centeno may be facing murder charges. Two other men, Herman Sanchez-Herrera and Marcos Gutierrez-Vazquez, were arrested but not charged. They were released from jail soon after.
What Types of Negligent Security Incidents Occur at South Carolina Bars and Nightclubs?
Bars and nightclubs in South Carolina can experience various security-related incidents, including:
- Physical assaults between patrons
- Shootings and stabbings
- Sexual assaults in poorly monitored areas
- Robberies in parking lots
- Drug-related violence
These incidents often occur when establishments fail to implement adequate security measures. Under South Carolina law, bar owners have a legal duty to provide reasonable security for their patrons, especially when they serve alcohol and operate during late-night hours.
How Can South Carolina Bars Improve Security to Prevent Fatal Shootings?
Bars and nightclubs can implement several security measures to protect patrons. What is "reasonable" will depend on the bar and the location. For example, an area with a history of crime or a property where crime has occurred in the past may require more security than a property or area with little or no crime.
Some of the more common types of security that bars can implement to decrease the likelihood of violent crime include the following:
- Install metal detectors at entry points
- Employ trained security personnel to monitor crowds
- Maintain functioning security cameras throughout the premises
- Provide adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways
- Train staff in de-escalation techniques
- Establish clear protocols for handling disputes
- Conduct background checks on all employees
- Limit capacity to prevent overcrowding
When establishments implement these measures properly, they can save lives. Property owners who ignore these basic security needs put their patrons at risk and may face liability under South Carolina premises liability law, namely negligent security.
What Factors Contribute to Negligent Security Claims Against Bars in South Carolina?
Several factors can establish liability in a negligent security case against a bar:
- History of violent incidents at the location
- Failure to hire adequate security personnel
- Lack of functioning surveillance equipment
- Inadequate lighting in common areas
- Failure to remove disruptive patrons
- Serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals
- Absence of proper crowd control measures
Under South Carolina law, bar owners must take reasonable steps to protect patrons from foreseeable criminal acts. When a bar has experienced previous violent incidents or operates in a high-crime area, the owner should anticipate potential dangers and implement appropriate security measures. The failure to address known security risks can make the establishment liable for injuries or deaths that occur on the property.
Contact a South Carolina Negligent Security Lawyer at Spetsas Buist
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a violent incident at a bar, nightclub, or other establishment, we understand the pain and trauma you're experiencing. This shooting at Rascal's Bar is not an isolated incident; these things happen far too often. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation for their losses.
At Spetsas Buist, we offer:
- Free consultations to discuss your case
- No fee unless we win your case
- No interest charged on case costs
- Willingness to take cases to trial when insurance companies won't offer fair settlements
- Track record of winning millions for our clients
- Direct access to your lawyer's email and cell phone
Don't let a negligent property owner escape responsibility for failing to protect their patrons. Under South Carolina law, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We're here to fight for you and ensure that negligent businesses are held accountable for putting profits over people's safety so that other people don't get hurt or killed.
Call us today at 321-LAWSUIT to schedule your free consultation with an experienced South Carolina negligent security attorney. We'll review your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.