A violent episode occurred on May 28, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, involving the retired Isle of Palms Police Chief, James B. Arnold, and his estranged wife, Brana Williams, a Myrtle Beach traffic court judge. The incident concluded with Arnold taking his own life after a dispute at Williams’ home.
Williams informed the authorities that Arnold forced entry into her residence on Chapel Ridge Circle, near Saint James High School, around 2 a.m, armed with a firearm. At the time of the incident, Williams, her boyfriend Brian Shives, and her two youngest sons were in the house. Shives managed to dislodge the magazine from the firearm during a confrontation with Arnold, despite receiving multiple punches and cuts to his chest.
Recounting the incident, Shives stated, “I saw she had two younger sons that had a hold of his arms, and I see the gun so, I jumped over… jumped up and stuck my finger behind the trigger.” He went on to say that Arnold punched him several times and attempted to discharge the firearm by hitting Shives in the chest. Shives was eventually able to bite Arnold’s finger, causing him to release his grip and exit the residence.
Williams, who was married to Arnold for 23 years before initiating divorce proceedings, also suffered minor wounds. The couple had adopted six children, all currently below the age of 20.
Following the incident, Arnold was chased by law enforcement officers. He returned to his own residence on Chapel Ridge Circle, where he fatally shot himself in the driveway. The incident has left the family and community in shock, with numerous expressions of sympathy for the children involved.
A family member noted that tensions had been on the rise, especially after one of Arnold’s daughters reported feeling uneasy due to an inappropriate remark by Shives. This may have played a role in escalating the emotions that led to the confrontation.
Jake McPherson, a neighbor who spent his childhood playing with the couple’s children, voiced his sorrow for them, noting, “It’s unbelievable, and I feel deeply sorry for the children. They don’t deserve this situation. They already had a difficult family life, which only worsens things for them.”