The estate of a woman who died after being shot at a Myrtle Beach hotel while unloading items is suing the resort and the man who shot her.
Lashawn Jarrett shot Rhonda Harris of Lancaster on March 1, 2022, at the Yachtsman Resort, 1304 N. Ocean Blvd., and she died several weeks later. Harris’ representative, Mary Harris, filed the wrongful death case on November 8, 2024.
A gentleman answering the phone at the Yachtsman stated that he could not comment on the matter.
Jarrett shot Rhonda Harris following a violent confrontation with someone inside the vehicle, according to the lawsuit. Jarrett, of North Carolina, fired several times, shooting both the victim inside the truck and Harris, who was unloading belongings nearby, according to Myrtle Beach Police.
Harris, 38, was rushed to the hospital and eventually died of her injuries.
The action alleges that Yachtsman “owed plaintiff a duty of care to keep the premises in a safe condition” and to “warn of/or eliminate unreasonable risks and dangerous conditions.” According to the lawsuit, the hotel is located in a high-crime neighborhood and was the scene of numerous incidents before to the shooting.
However, despite regular and ongoing crimes, the Yachtsman did not engage on-site security guards, according to the lawsuit.
Jarrett was arrested on March 23, 2022, for the shooting.
The lawsuit alleges that the hotel was negligent in failing to provide security and fostering a “dangerous climate for criminal activity.” Furthermore, the hotel did not respond to the “boisterous disturbance on the premises” or contact the police, and it did not ensure that Harris received medical attention as soon as possible.
Mary Harris is seeking a jury trial and real and punitive damages against the Yachtsman and Jarrett.