Tesla Digital Location Data Leads to Arrest in Horry County Homicide Case

Horry County police arrested Dreshawn Stanley for the 2025 murder of Christian Hemingway after using Tesla location data and text messages to identify him.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 10:20 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WMBF News

The August 2025 Shooting in the Loris Area

The homicide investigation began in August 2025 following a violent encounter on Cedar Branch Road located in the Loris area. The victim identified as eighteen-year-old Christian Hemingway was discovered with gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The Horry County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Hemingway was a resident of the area where the shooting took place. For months detectives worked to establish a connection between the crime scene and the perpetrator using forensic evidence collected during the initial response.

Digital Forensics and the Tesla Model S

A major breakthrough in the case occurred when investigators gained access to the onboard computer systems of a white Tesla Model S. The arrest warrant alleges that Stanley fired the fatal shots while positioned inside this specific vehicle. By extracting the vehicle's precise GPS history and location logs police were able to place Stanley at the exact scene of the murder at the time the shooting occurred. This use of automotive digital forensics represents a growing trend in law enforcement utilizing smart vehicle technology to solve violent crimes.

Recovery of the Murder Weapon and Extradition

Beyond the digital evidence authorities successfully located the firearm used in the commission of the crime. The warrant states that Stanley was found in possession of the specific gun used to kill Hemingway which further solidified the case for prosecutors. Stanley was eventually located in North Carolina and extradited back to South Carolina to face formal charges. He is currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center where he remains without bond as the judicial process moves forward.