October 16, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least 20 others injured during a high school alumni after-party. Eyewitnesses described the incident as chaotic, with an ongoing investigation prompted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities. Community members are urged to come forward with information as this tragic event has shocked the local populace.

St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. during an after-party for Battery Creek High School alumni, where approximately 500 to 700 people were present when gunfire erupted.

The victims identified in the shooting include A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena; Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort; and Kashawn Glaze, 22, also from Beaufort. All four were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition, at least 20 people sustained various injuries, including gunshot wounds as well as minor injuries resulting from the chaos of fleeing the incident.

As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection to the shooting. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the incident stemmed from an ongoing feud involving two or possibly three individuals who exchanged gunfire. Witnesses described the sounds of rapid-fire shots resembling an automatic weapon, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion.

Sheriff P.J. Tanner characterized the scene as “horrific,” citing a lack of witnesses willing to come forward due to fears of retaliation. The investigation into the shooting is being conducted with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to Sheriff Tanner, all 20 gunshot victims sustained gunshot wounds, with four initially reported in critical condition, although their status has since improved. Evidence collected at the scene includes firearms, shell casings, and other materials that have been sent for forensic analysis. Reports concerning unrelated arrests for weapon possession have surfaced, but these were mistakenly connected to the mass shooting.

Willie Turral, the bar owner, stated that those responsible for the shooting were not patrons of Willie’s Bar and Grill, describing them as “terrorists.” Sheriff Tanner pointed out a concerning trend within Beaufort County, highlighting the issue of illegal firearm modifications and low bond rates for firearm-related crimes, which may contribute to such violent incidents.

The community is being urged to contribute any information or video evidence they may have related to the shooting. This tragic event has shocked the local population, with officials hoping that increased community cooperation can lead to justice for the victims and prevent future incidents of this nature.

FAQ

What happened in St. Helena Island on October 12, 2025?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four deaths and at least 20 injuries during an after-party for Battery Creek High School alumni.

How many people were injured in the shooting?

At least 20 people were injured, including those with gunshot wounds and others who sustained minor injuries while fleeing the scene.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims were A’shan’tek Milledge (22, Burton), Amos Gary (54, St. Helena), Chiraad Smalls (33, Beaufort), and Kashawn Glaze (22, Beaufort), all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

Is there an ongoing investigation?

Yes, the investigation is being supported by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with ongoing efforts to gather evidence and witness statements.

Were any arrests made following the incident?

As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Time	Approximately 1 a.m.
Attendees	500 to 700 people
Fatalities	4 individuals
Injuries	At least 20 people
Ongoing Investigation	Yes, by SLED and FBI
Community Involvement	Encouraged to provide information

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Mass Shooting at High School Reunion in South Carolina
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island High School Reunion
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting Investigation at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in St. Helena Island Bar

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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