GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Tragedy struck a quiet neighborhood in Goose Creek, South Carolina, as the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office has identified three individuals who lost their lives in what local authorities are describing as a tragic double-murder suicide.
On a fateful night of February 24, 2024, at 9:43 p.m., the peaceful atmosphere of Water Oak Drive in Goose Creek was shattered when the local police department received a distressing 911 call. Reports indicated a male individual, believed to be intoxicated, was holding hostages at gunpoint within a residence.
Responding promptly to the emergency call, police officers arrived at the scene and swiftly surrounded the house. Despite efforts by hostage negotiators to establish communication with the suspect, their attempts were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement authorities made the grim discovery upon entering the premises, as they found two adults and a child lifeless, succumbing to fatal gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations strongly suggest a domestic-related double murder-suicide as the cause of this tragic incident.
Identified as the victims of this harrowing event were Tracy McEvoy, 43, and her son William McEvoy, 15, both residents of Goose Creek. The suspected perpetrator, identified as Nicholas Hegwein, 43, also a resident of Goose Creek, was found deceased at the scene.
The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office, alongside the Goose Creek Police Department, continues to delve into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event, seeking answers and closure for the devastated community. As the investigation unfolds, the tight-knit community of Goose Creek reels from the shock and sorrow brought by this unspeakable tragedy.
Despite the dark cloud looming over Water Oak Drive, the resilience and unity within the community are evident as they come together to support one another through this challenging time. The impacts of such a tragic event serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, support, and empathy within every neighborhood. The hearts of many are heavy with grief as they mourn the loss of innocent lives taken far too soon in a community now forever changed by this heartbreaking incident.
As Goose Creek grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the echoes of tragedy serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and solidarity in overcoming adversity. Through collective strength and support, the community stands together in unity, seeking solace and healing in the midst of profound loss and sorrow.