3 Arrested After Employee Fatally Shot at Rascal’s Bar in Conway
CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA – A tragic shooting at Rascal’s Bar and Grill on 16th Avenue has left one employee dead and three men arrested in connection with the incident, including one charged with murder.
Friday Night Shooting Turns Deadly
The shooting occurred just before 10 p.m. on Friday, August 15, when Conway police were called to Rascal’s Bar. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. That man, later identified as 41-year-old Lester Goldsmith, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Goldsmith, affectionately known by many in the local community as “Lil’ Man,” was an employee at the bar. His death has deeply affected both staff and patrons.
Three Men Arrested Over the Weekend
By Saturday, police had taken Herman Sanchez-Herrera and Marcos Gutierrez-Vazquez into custody. Sanchez was charged with public disorderly conduct, while Gutierrez faced a charge of public drunkenness.
On Sunday—nearly 48 hours after the incident—Irving Oswaldo Centeno-Gonzalez was arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting. As of Monday morning, Gonzalez remained in custody at the Horry County Jail, while Sanchez and Gutierrez had been released.
Authorities have not released a motive, and details about what led up to the shooting remain unclear.
Rascal’s Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Worker
In response to the loss, Rascal’s Bar and Grill has temporarily closed its doors and placed a memorial book and flowers outside the building for the community to leave messages for Goldsmith. The bar, located near the main highway through Conway and not far from Coastal Carolina University, plans to remain closed throughout the week.
The business has been sharing updates via its Facebook page and announced that funeral information for Goldsmith will be posted once arrangements are finalized.
“We ask the community for its prayers and support,” the business wrote in an emotional message to its patrons.
Community Reaction and Context
Conway is located just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach and is home to a vibrant college and local nightlife scene. The shooting has rattled residents and raised concerns about safety at local establishments. Rascal’s, a well-known gathering place, has now become the center of grief for many in the area.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel will continue to monitor developments in this case, including any updates on the investigation or court proceedings involving the three suspects.
For the latest updates on South Carolina crime news and community safety, stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
