News Summary

Nearly three decades after the murder of David Spiegel, the Hilton Head Island community remains in search of answers. Spiegel, who was working at The Pantry convenience store, was shot multiple times during his overnight shift on August 3, 1994. As the investigation continues without resolution, community members remember Spiegel as a beloved veteran and father, emphasizing the impact of this tragic event.

Hilton Head Island Community Remembers Unsolved Murder of David Spiegel

Nearly three decades after the murder of David Spiegel, the Hilton Head Island community continues to seek answers. Spiegel, a part-time employee at The Pantry convenience store, was killed on August 3, 1994, during an overnight shift.

Incident Details

• Spiegel was working night shifts at The Pantry to help pay the bills.
• He was the only clerk on duty at the time of the shooting, around 2 a.m.
• He was shot multiple times in the chest and found dead shortly after by a security guard.
• No money was reported missing from the cash register.

Investigation Status

Bob Bromage, who processed the scene as a detective for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, remains dedicated to the case as the director of public safety for Hilton Head Island. Despite ongoing efforts, the murder remains unsolved.

• Investigators were unable to locate any surveillance footage from the night of the incident.
• Speculation exists that Spiegel might have been targeted due to a personal vendetta or that it was a botched robbery.
• No witnesses were found, and no probable cause for arrest has been established.
• Authorities explored possible connections to other robberies in the area but could not confirm any links.

Community Impact

Spiegel was a veteran and a father of two, remembered by friends and family as a “gentle giant.” His wife, Rosemary Spiegel, who also worked at a different Pantry location, expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their community.

• He was from Dearborn, Michigan, and lived in the Grays Hill area.
• In the weeks before his death, Spiegel had expressed his desire to quit his second job.
• His manager, Paul Oates, described the situation as tragic, emphasizing the need for safety while trying to earn a living.

Current Status of The Pantry

The future of The Pantry building is uncertain after suffering a roof collapse from Tropical Storm Debby nearly 30 years post-shooting. Discussions regarding its reopening, repurposing, or demolition are ongoing.

Call for Information

As the investigation into David Spiegel’s murder continues, anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Maj. Bob Bromage at 843-816-8013.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Murder Investigation
• ABC News 4: Homicide Investigation on Hilton Head Island
• Live 5 News: Beaufort County Death Investigation
• WTOC: Fatal Shooting on Hilton Head Island
• WJCL: Calvert’s Hilton Head Cold Case Timeline
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island murder investigation
• Google Scholar: David Spiegel murder
• Google News: Hilton Head Island crime

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.