DILLON COUNTY, S.C. — A fatal shooting at the iconic South of the Border tourist attraction along Highway 301 has left a community in mourning and authorities in pursuit of two suspects believed to be armed and dangerous.
The victim, 61-year-old Patricia Britt of Marlboro County, was fatally shot Thursday afternoon at the Pantry West, a convenience store near the busy roadside attraction that draws travelers from across the Southeast. Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley confirmed Britt was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the location shortly after reports of gunfire were received. Sheriff Jamie Hamilton said Britt was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to assist, she could not be saved.
The violent incident, which occurred in broad daylight at a popular stop along Interstate 95, has stunned both locals and visitors.
Following an initial investigation, law enforcement arrested Tina Rebecca Pernell, 39, of Hamer. She has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and remains in custody at the Dillon County Detention Center.
However, two suspects remain at large:
- Ja’Heem Antwan Pernell, 19, of Hamer, is wanted on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
- Aalyiah Monique Priest, 22, also of Hamer, is wanted for murder.
Authorities are warning the public not to approach either suspect, both of whom are considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are working around the clock to locate them, and the sheriff’s office is calling for community assistance.
“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to this investigation,” said Sheriff Hamilton.
Officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting or the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation. However, detectives believe the suspects were directly involved and are asking for anyone with tips to come forward.
Members of the public with information about the whereabouts of Ja’Heem Pernell or Aalyiah Priest are urged to contact Detective Ryan Bethea at 843-841-3707 or via email at rbethea@dillonsheriff.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
As the manhunt continues, the tragedy has renewed concerns about safety in high-traffic tourist zones and sparked calls for increased security measures at landmark destinations like South of the Border.
Meanwhile, Patricia Britt’s family is left grieving the sudden and senseless loss of a loved one. Authorities are hopeful that with public cooperation, justice will soon be served.