Corporal Lyden, 44, was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a suspicious vehicle on State Highway 544 in the early morning hours. As Corporal Lyden talked with the two suspects he was attacked and beat with a flashlight by both suspects. One of the suspects then shot him with his own weapon as he lay on the ground. Both suspects were arrested within two days of the incident and charged with murder. In June 2001, the shooter was found guilty and sentenced to death. The accomplice was acquitted of the murder charges.

Corporal Lyden had been in law enforcement for nine years and had been with the Horry County Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife.

Dennis James Lyden's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be located on panel 44, W-22.

Coastal Carolina Lodge #12, of the Fraternal Order of Police, has established a scholarship in the name of Corporal Lyden.  The scholarship is awarded to active officers who are pursuing a higher education in the field of Criminal Justice.