Corporal Dennis James Lyden

Dennis James Lyden

Corporal Lyden was shot and killed during a vehicle stop of a suspicious vehicle on State Highway 544 in the early morning hours.

As Corporal Lyden talked with the two suspects, he was attacked and beaten with a flashlight. One of the suspects then shot him with his own weapon as he lay on the ground. Both suspects were arrested within two days of the incident and charged with murder.

In June 2001, the shooter was found guilty and sentenced to death. The accomplice was acquitted of the murder charges.

Corporal Lyden, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, had been in law enforcement for nine years and served with the Horry County Police Department for five years.

He is survived by his wife.