October 19, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island

St. Helena Island, October 19, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in four deaths and over 20 injuries during a crowded Battery Creek High School alumni event. Law enforcement suspects two to three shooters were involved. The community remains apprehensive about cooperating with the investigation due to fears of retaliation. Sheriff P.J. Tanner described the scene as ‘horrific,’ as investigators seek to piece together the events and motives behind this tragic incident.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, leaving four people dead and at least 20 others injured. The tragic incident unfolded just before 1 a.m. during a crowded unofficial alumni event for Battery Creek High School, which attracted approximately 700 attendees.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to find a large crowd and multiple gunshot victims. Witnesses reported hearing automatic gunfire resembling that of a machine gun. Among the deceased victims are:

Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort, SC
Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort, SC
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton, SC
Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island, SC

Of those injured, four individuals were reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals. Law enforcement officials believe that between two and three shooters were involved in the shooting, which reportedly stemmed from a feud. However, no arrests have been made, and witnesses have not come forward to provide information. The community is said to be fearful of retaliation, which is impacting their willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Sheriff P.J. Tanner described the scene as “horrific,” particularly considering the large number of people present at the bar. Investigators are currently examining evidence, including DNA, weapons, and shell casings, to build a case against potential suspects. The FBI is assisting in enhancing surveillance video captured during the event.

In the aftermath of the shooting, several injured individuals were transported to hospitals by Emergency Medical Services, while others sought treatment on their own. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to contact Investigator Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or reach out to Crimestoppers.

Key Takeaways:

Incident occurred during an unofficial alumni event.
Four fatalities; at least 20 injuries, with some in critical condition.
Law enforcement suspects multiple shooters involved.
Community apprehensive about sharing information with authorities.

Background Context:

Mass shootings have become an unsettling reality in many parts of the United States, raising concerns over gun violence and community safety. Authorities are continuously working to understand the motivations behind these violent acts and implement measures to prevent them in the future. The investigation into this tragic incident is part of a broader effort to address rising crime rates and violence in public gathering spaces.

FAQ

When and where did the mass shooting occur?

The mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

How many people were killed and injured?

Four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured in the incident.

What was happening at the time of the shooting?

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. during a crowded unofficial alumni event for Battery Creek High School.

What are the details of the deceased victims?

The deceased victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort, SC; Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort, SC; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton, SC; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island, SC.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date & Time	Early Sunday, just before 1 a.m.
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
Victims	4 deceased, over 20 injured
Event Type	Unofficial alumni event for Battery Creek High School
Suspects	Believed to be 2-3 shooters
Community Impact	Fear of retaliation affecting cooperation with police

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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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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