St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has left four dead and 20 injured during an alumni party. Chaos erupted as gunfire rang out, leading to many fleeing the scene and several critical injuries. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident while families of the victims seek financial support for funeral expenses through crowdfunding efforts.
St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting on October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, leaving four people dead and 20 others injured. The incident took place just before 1 a.m. during a Battery Creek High School alumni party, held on homecoming weekend, attracting hundreds of attendees.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting. The victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, and Chiraad Smalls, 33, both from Beaufort, A’Shan’tek Danielle Milledge, 22, from Burton, and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena. Among the injured, at least four individuals are reported in critical condition and have been admitted to local hospitals for treatment. Victims suffered injuries from gunfire as well as from the chaos of fleeing the scene, with one individual requiring surgery for a bullet wound to the abdomen and another sustaining a shoulder injury.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of rapid gunfire resembling that of a machine gun echoing amidst the party atmosphere. Despite the presence of over six security guards, some armed, during the event, the conflict escalated to violence within moments.
In the aftermath of this devastating event, a memorial has been established near the bar, where community members have left flowers and offerings in remembrance of the victims. Local residents have expressed their outrage and sadness regarding the rise in such violent incidents, calling for tangible efforts to end this cycle of violence.
In response to the community’s grief, a local hip-hop artist performed at a memorial gathering to promote unity and address the negative atmosphere following the shooting. Meanwhile, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is focusing on investigating several persons of interest linked to the incident. Rumors did surface concerning an unrelated arrest of a man on firearms charges; however, authorities have clarified that this arrest has no connection to the mass shooting.
In light of the tragedy, families of the victims have begun to seek financial assistance for funeral expenses through GoFundMe campaigns and other support initiatives. This incident has sparked a call for action and reflection on community safety, with the hope that measures will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Key Details:
- Date of Incident: October 12, 2025
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
- Fatalities: Four victims identified
- Injuries: 20, with at least four in critical condition
- Investigation: Ongoing by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
Background Context:
Mass shootings have become a significant concern across the nation, often prompting discussions and debates surrounding gun control and public safety. This tragic event served as a stark reminder of the urgency that comes with addressing such issues and preventing further loss of life.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2025?
Who were the victims of the shooting?
What actions are being taken following the shooting?
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Fatalities | Four victims identified |
| Injuries | 20, with at least four in critical condition |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Community in Shock
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Bar Claims Four Lives
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- USA Today
- Island Packet
- Fox News
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Mass shooting
- Google Search: Mass shooting statistics
- Google Scholar: Gun control
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun control
- Google News: South Carolina mass shooting
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.
