News Summary
A tragic incident occurred on St. Helena Island when a 14-year-old boy was shot late Friday night. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident amidst growing concerns over youth gun violence in the community.
St. Helena Island – Tragic Incident Claims Life of 14-Year-Old
A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot on St. Helena Island late Friday night, July 18. The incident marks a tragic increase in gun violence among youth within Beaufort County.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received an emergency report concerning a gunshot victim around 11:54 p.m. Authorities arrived at a residence on Capers Island Circle, where they found a vehicle transporting the unresponsive victim towards the hospital. BCSO deputies immediately provided life-saving measures until Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) took over.
Upon arrival at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, despite the efforts made, the boy was pronounced dead from his injuries. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the victim’s identity but has withheld his name due to his status as a juvenile.
Ongoing Investigation
The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear as the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time, and law enforcement officials are still determining the details surrounding the incident, including how many shooters may have been involved.
Investigators discovered multiple firearms in a bedroom of the residence where the shooting took place. Additionally, a .45-caliber bullet casing was found on the floor, providing evidence that may aid in understanding what transpired. Significant amounts of blood were observed throughout the home, with bloodstains leading from one bedroom to another, indicating the seriousness of the incident.
Community Impact
This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety of children and the issue of gun violence in the area. This incident is particularly alarming as it potentially marks the youngest casualty of gun violence in Beaufort County since another violent episode that occurred earlier in 2024.
Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting, and as of Monday, July 21, no further details regarding suspects or potential motives have been released.
Call for Information
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with additional details regarding the shooting to come forward. Those with information can contact Investigator Sergeant Hicks at 843-255-3441. For individuals who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through various methods, including the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT.
Conclusion
As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful for answers and a resolution to the violent incidents affecting its youth. Community engagement and sharing information with authorities can play a crucial role in ensuring safety and preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 14-Year-Old on St. Helena Island
Seabrook Community Grieves After Fatal Shooting
Seabrook Community Reels After Fatal Shooting of 18-Year-Old
Investigation Underway After Fatal Shooting in Seabrook
Tragic Drive-By Shooting Claims Life of 14-Year-Old in Beaufort
Three Charged in Murder of 14-Year-Old Boy in Beaufort County
Three Suspects Charged in Shooting Death of 14-Year-Old in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Charges in 14-Year-Old’s Shooting Death
Shooting Incident at Columbia Place Mall Injures One
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Shooting
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- ABC News 4: 1 Dead After Late Night Shooting
- Google Search: Gun Violence Beaufort County
- WSAV: One Dead After Shooting on St. Helena Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Live 5 News: One Dead After Late Night Beaufort County Shooting
- Google News: Fatal Shooting St. Helena Island

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

