Summerville, South Carolina — A tragic armed robbery at Myers Market on Saturday night, November 15, claimed the life of 20-year-old Kymeek Traylor, leaving the Summerville community grieving and searching for answers. The store owner, who was monitoring security cameras remotely, witnessed the incident unfold in real time as the situation escalated without warning.
According to Berkeley County authorities, the suspect — identified as 18-year-old Harrison Townsend — entered the market and demanded compliance. Investigators say Traylor immediately cooperated, following every instruction, yet the confrontation still ended in violence. Townsend reportedly fired a gun, striking Traylor, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Berkeley County Coroner confirmed he died from gunshot injuries despite the rapid arrival of deputies.
Sheriff Duane Lewis described the crime as “heinous and senseless,” emphasizing that Traylor posed no threat and offered no resistance. “The victim was fully compliant,” he said, noting the incident stands apart from robberies in which panic or struggle lead to escalation. For Traylor’s family, the loss is devastating and confusing, as they grapple with why an unarmed employee obeying orders was killed.
Townsend fled immediately after the shooting, prompting a widespread, multi-agency search involving local, state, and federal partners. He was taken into custody less than 24 hours later and booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center. While the arrest brings one step toward justice, investigators continue to examine evidence and determine whether any prior connection existed between Townsend and Traylor. Initial findings indicate Traylor was simply working his shift when the crime occurred.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance recordings, gathering witness statements, and processing forensic evidence from the market. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 843-719-4412, hoping additional tips may clarify details still unknown.
Friends, coworkers, and community members remember Kymeek Traylor as a respectful, hard-working young man with a bright future. His death has shaken Summerville, leading to planned vigils and memorials honoring his life and the impact he had on those around him.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy at Myers Market underscores the unpredictable nature of violence and the profound effects such incidents have on families and communities. Traylor’s loss leaves an enduring mark on Summerville — a reminder of a young life cut short and a community united in grief and determination to seek justice.
