October 16, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar

St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a high school reunion on St. Helena Island left four dead and over 20 injured. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, shocked the local community as witnesses reported hearing what sounded like machine-gun fire. Law enforcement is diligently investigating, but no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. In response, the community held a vigil to honor the victims, highlighting the deep sorrow felt across the region.

St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left over 20 others injured during a high school reunion event. The shooting reportedly began around 12:49 a.m., as a large gathering of Battery Creek High School alumni celebrated their reunion at the bar, which was filled with an estimated crowd of between 500 and 700 people.

The victims who lost their lives include Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island, who was working as an unarmed bouncer during the event. Gary was attempting to help patrons when the gunfire erupted. The other deceased victims are Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, Chiraad Smalls, 33, also from Beaufort, and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton. Family members revealed that Gary had recently bought an engagement ring and was planning to propose to his girlfriend, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew him.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) reported that alongside the four deceased, four additional victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. At least 20 others suffered injuries during the chaotic scene. Witnesses recounted hearing what sounded like “machine-gun” fire outside the bar, prompting many in the vicinity to flee to nearby businesses in search of safety.

Local authorities have released limited information regarding potential suspects. Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that no witnesses have yet come forward with information regarding the shooters, complicating the ongoing investigation. Anferny Devon Freeman, 26, was arrested shortly after the shooting on unrelated charges, but law enforcement believes he may be connected to the case.

As of the latest reports, the BCSO has not made any arrests related to the shooting incident. Bar owner Willie Turral expressed the community’s grief, emphasizing the deep hurt resulting from this event. In response to the tragedy, staff members at Willie’s Bar and Grill organized a vigil to honor the victims and provide a space for the community to come together during this difficult time.

The St. Helena Island community is now grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, which has shaken the small town and raised concerns about safety and the need for support. Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the BCSO to assist in the ongoing investigation and bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy.

Key Details

Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, St. Helena Island
Time: October 12, 2025, around 12:49 a.m.
Victims:
- Amos Gary, 54, St. Helena Island (bouncer)
- Kashawn Glaze, 22, Beaufort
- Chiraad Smalls, 33, Beaufort
- A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, Burton
Injuries: 4 critically injured, at least 20 more injured
Event: Battery Creek High School reunion
Witness Reports: “Machine-gun” fire heard
Investigation: Ongoing, no arrests made related to shooting

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2025?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a high school reunion, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving over 20 others injured.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims included Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island; Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, 33, also from Beaufort; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton.

How many people were injured in the shooting?

Over 20 people were injured, with four sustaining critical injuries and being transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

What do local authorities say about the investigation?

Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that no witnesses have come forward with information on the shooters, making the investigation challenging. Anferny Devon Freeman, 26, was arrested shortly after the shooting on unrelated charges and is believed to be connected to the case.

Summary of Key Features

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Victims	4 deceased, over 20 injured
Event Type	High school reunion
Ongoing Investigation	No arrests related to the shooting, no witness reports available
Community Response	Vigil held for the victims, grief expressed by community members