A 19-year-old Pawleys Island resident, Jayden Holloway-Caldwell, was fatally shot by Hardeeville police during an early morning encounter on January 23, 2026, at a Shell gas station near the Super 8 Motel. His family describes him as loving and protective, especially toward his grandmother, while mourning his loss amid an ongoing SLED investigation.
Incident Overview
Hardeeville officers responded to reports of vehicle break-ins at the motel around 4:30 a.m., then encountered an armed man matching the description in the adjacent gas station lot. An altercation led to an exchange of gunfire, injuring both Holloway-Caldwell—who later died at a Savannah hospital—and a police officer, who is recovering. This marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year, with SLED’s probe active.
Family Perspective
Holloway-Caldwell’s mother highlighted his big heart and care for others, while his grandmother recalled his daily check-ins on her well-being. His sister emphasized his personal identity beyond the incident, as the family grieves. Court records note prior unrelated felony charges against him, including a stolen firearm and vehicle burglary.
