Grays Hill, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Alexander Xavier Smalls, a man from Grays Hill, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2019 shooting incident. Following an argument, Smalls shot a woman in the leg, leading to his conviction for assault and weapon possession. The case reflects a troubling history, with Smalls facing additional charges including attempted murder. Meanwhile, two other cases involving unauthorized business operations and probation officer misconduct highlight ongoing legal issues in the area.
Grays Hill Man Receives 10-Year Sentence for 2019 Shooting Incident
A 26-year-old man from Grays Hill, Alexander Xavier Smalls, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a guilty plea related to a 2019 shooting incident. The plea came just before his scheduled jury trial at Beaufort County General Sessions Court, where Smalls was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The shooting occurred on October 22, 2019, at a residence in Seabrook. Authorities were alerted when a woman arrived at Beaufort Memorial Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to her right thigh at approximately 5:30 PM. The victim reported that following an argument with Smalls, he fired two warning shots before inflicting the wound on her leg.
After the altercation, Smalls and two associates drove the victim to the hospital in a green Jeep, where they subsequently abandoned her. A phone call made by Smalls to the victim in the hospital revealed an apology from him, while she chastised him for his actions. Investigators later found substantial evidence linking Smalls to the incident; the Jeep contained blood, Smalls’ identification cards, a 9mm pistol, loose ammunition, and a spent shell casing. DNA tests confirmed Smalls’ connection to the weapon and ammunition.
Circuit Court Judge Dale E. Van Slambrook presided over the sentencing. In addition to this case, Smalls is facing other charges including attempted murder related to a 2023 convenience store shooting. His bond has already been revoked due to these allegations, and he also faced a mob-violence charge after an incident at the detention center involving another detainee. Smalls is furthermore a co-defendant in a pending federal human trafficking case. If convicted on all charges, he could face substantial additional time behind bars.
The Solicitor’s Office Career Criminal Unit boasts a high conviction rate, successfully prosecuting 527 out of 580 defendants since 2009.
Bluffton Woman Arrested for Unauthorized Business Operations
In a separate case, 49-year-old Bethany Boles Hewitt from Bluffton has been arrested for operating an event venue, Hewitt Oaks, without a retail license. The South Carolina Department of Revenue had previously revoked her business license on February 12, 2025, due to unpaid taxes.
Despite the revocation, it is alleged that Hewitt continued to host events at her venue. If convicted of operating without a retail license, she could face a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and/or a $200 fine. Hewitt is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Allegations Against Former Probation Officer
Additionally, former probation officer David Johnathon Shytle Jr. faces serious allegations regarding misconduct. He is accused of maintaining inappropriate relationships with multiple parolees and has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and five counts of misconduct in office. A civil lawsuit has been filed against Shytle and the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services by an alleged victim referred to as Jane Doe. The lawsuit alleges that Shytle harassed and assaulted individuals under his supervision. Shytle was arrested on August 28 and released on personal recognizance the same day.
Summary of Incidents
| Incident Type | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Grays Hill Shooting Incident | Alexander Xavier Smalls sentenced to 10 years for assault and battery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime. |
| Unauthorized Business Operations | Bethany Boles Hewitt arrested for operating Hewitt Oaks without a license. |
| Probation Officer Misconduct | David Johnathon Shytle Jr. faces charges for inappropriate relationships and misconduct. |
FAQs
What was the sentence given to Alexander Xavier Smalls for the shooting incident?
Alexander Xavier Smalls, a 26-year-old man from Grays Hill, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
What were the charges against Smalls in the shooting case?
Smalls pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
What happened in the incident involving Bethany Boles Hewitt?
Bethany Boles Hewitt from Bluffton was arrested for operating Hewitt Oaks, an event and wedding venue, without a retail license.
What allegations are against David Johnathon Shytle Jr.?
David Johnathon Shytle Jr. is accused of having inappropriate relationships with multiple parolees and is currently charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and five counts of misconduct in office.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fifth Suspect Charged in Deadly Shooting in Beaufort
Investigation Underway After Shots Fired in Burton, SC
Kitchen Fire Displaces Family in Burton, South Carolina
Safety Concerns Rise in Beaufort County After Fatal Incidents
House Fire Investigated in Grays Hill Community
Mobile Home Destroyed by Early Morning Fire in Burton
Beaufort County Authorities Investigate Deadly Shooting
Search Underway for Missing Beaufort Woman
Urgent Search for Missing 70-Year-Old Woman in Beaufort
Three Suspects Charged in Shooting Death of 14-Year-Old in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- WITN
- Fits News
- Greenville Online
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Crime
- Google Search: Beaufort County crime
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County legal issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Beaufort County law
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.
