An act of domestic violence erupted in the early hours of May 28, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, involving James B. Arnold, the retired Isle of Palms Police Chief, and his estranged wife, Brana Williams, a traffic court judge in the same city. The tragic event concluded with Arnold taking his own life after a confrontation at Williams’ home.
Williams disclosed that at around 2 a.m., Arnold forcefully entered her residence on Chapel Ridge Circle, near Saint James High School, brandishing a firearm. Williams, her partner Brian Shives, and her two younger sons were in the house at the time. Shives recounted that he confronted Arnold and succeeded in removing the magazine from the firearm, despite being punched several times and receiving chest wounds.
In his narration of the event, 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 further revealed that Arnold repeatedly punched him and tried to trigger the gun by hitting Shives in the chest. Ultimately, Shives bit Arnold’s finger, compelling him to release his grip and vacate the premises.
Williams, who had been in a marital relationship with Arnold for 23 years before filing for divorce, also suffered minor injuries during the incident. The couple had six adopted children, all under 20 years of age.
After his exit from the scene, Arnold was pursued by law enforcement officers. He returned to his own residence on Chapel Ridge Circle, where he died by suicide in the driveway. The incident has left the family and local community in shock, with many extending their condolences to the affected children.
A family member shared that the tension had been mounting, especially after one of Arnold’s daughters expressed discomfort due to an inappropriate remark made by Shives. This could have added to the intense emotions that precipitated the altercation.
Local resident Jake McPherson, who spent his childhood playing with the couple’s children, articulated his sorrow for them, stating, “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.”