St. Helena Island, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuring over 20 others. The incident took place during an unofficial alumni party for Battery Creek High School. Witnesses reported the atmosphere turned from festive to chaotic as gunfire erupted. Local law enforcement, alongside the FBI, is investigating the incident, which is believed to involve multiple shooters. The community has come together to mourn the victims, highlighting the close-knit ties within St. Helena Island’s Gullah culture.
St. Helena Island, SC
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, left at least four people dead and more than 20 others injured in the early hours of Sunday, October 12. Gunfire erupted shortly before 1 a.m. during an unofficial alumni party for Battery Creek High School.
The deceased victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, and Chiraad Smalls, 33, both from Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island. The local coroner confirmed that all individuals who died were struck by gunfire. As of October 12, four additional victims were reported in critical condition.
More than 20 individuals sustained injuries in the shooting. Many patrons described the atmosphere of the event turning from “fantastic” to “mayhem” within moments as gunfire erupted, prompting attendees to seek shelter in nearby businesses. A security officer working at the bar was among those killed in the incident.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the shooting, which is believed to be related to an ongoing feud involving multiple shooters, estimated to be two to three. As of Monday, October 13, no arrests had been made, and no witnesses have confirmed details about the shooters. The sheriff’s office is collaborating with the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to analyze evidence, including video recordings and shell casings from the scene.
The local community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, holding a vigil outside the bar to pay tribute to the victims. The mass shooting has sparked significant local and national outcry, particularly in light of St. Helena Island’s strong Gullah culture and community ties.
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner has characterized the scene as horrific and urged the public to come forward with any information related to the incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident.
Key Details
- Incident: Mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
- Date: October 12, 2023
- Time: Just before 1 a.m.
- Location: St. Helena Island, SC
- Fatalities: 4
- Injured: More than 20
- Critical Condition: 4
- Event type: Unofficial alumni party for Battery Creek High School
- Investigation: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the FBI and SLED
- Community Response: Vigil held for victims
FAQ
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Time | Just before 1 a.m. |
| Fatalities | 4 |
| Injuries | More than 20 |
| Critical Condition | 4 |
| Event Type | Unofficial alumni party for Battery Creek High School |
| Investigation Cooperation | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, SLED |
| Community Response | Vigil held for victims |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Multiple Casualties
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting Claims Four Lives on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at High School Reunion in South Carolina
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Additional Resources
- Police1: SC Officer Cleared in Response to Mass Shooting
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Live 5 News: Update on Deadly Mass Shooting
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner Mass Shooting
- Island Packet: Mass Shooting Incident Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- WRDW: Business Owner Offers Reward After SC Mass Shooting
- Google News: St. Helena Island 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.
