Horry County police responded to the camp site on the report of a domestic dispute. According to police reports, when officers arrived, a woman described as being in a frantic, hysterical state told them that her husband had been beating her and that is when the juvenile grabbed a gun from the woman and shot Ayers.
Officers took the 13-year-old into custody and found a gun inside the camper, according to authorities.
Officials said the boy is being held in a juvenile detention facility and is expected to appear for a hearing Thursday before a family court judge.
Officials in Springfield said Ayers was a 22-year veteran of the police force. They said two officers are on their way to Myrtle Beach to support Ayers’ wife, Teresa.
Springfield police chief Steve Moody said, “Our main concern is the support of Ayers’ family, Terri’s family and the men and women of this organization.”
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