St. Helena Island, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island led to four fatalities and 20 injuries during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. Local authorities are investigating the incident, with fears of retaliation preventing eyewitnesses from coming forward. Despite the collection of DNA evidence and firearms, no arrests have been made. Community leaders have expressed concerns about mistrust between residents and law enforcement, while a reward for information has been offered. Support sessions are being provided to help families cope with the tragedy.
St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting early Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four fatalities and 20 injuries. This violence erupted as approximately 500 to 700 attendees gathered at an after-party for Battery Creek High School alumni celebrating homecoming weekend.
The victims of the shooting 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 Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading the investigation into the incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. as gunfire broke out outside of the bar, inciting panic among the crowd.
As of October 15, 2025, there have been no arrests in connection with the shooting. Despite the presence of numerous eyewitnesses, many have refrained from coming forward, a phenomenon attributed to widespread fears of retaliation within the community. The Sheriff has reported that the silence among witnesses significantly hinders the investigation.
Law enforcement officials have collected DNA evidence, firearms, and shell casings from the scene, with all items sent to crime labs for analysis. Additionally, video recordings from the event have been forwarded to the FBI, who have established a digital media portal for community members to submit evidence related to the shooting.
Local community leaders have expressed concerns regarding a culture of mistrust between residents and law enforcement, which they believe contributes to the reluctance of witnesses to provide information. In response to the ongoing violence, local lawyer Christopher Gibbs has stepped forward to offer a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. The local Black Chamber of Commerce is also supporting community healing efforts by providing sessions aimed at coping with the tragedy.
The crime scene has been described by Sheriff Tanner as “horrific,” noting that this incident marks the worst shooting he has witnessed in his 26 years of service. The ongoing investigation has also brought to light increases in local gang activity and the role social media plays in escalating disputes among youth, further complicating public safety efforts.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement encourages anyone with information to come forward. They stress the importance of community cooperation to ensure safety and address the underlying issues of violence. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist the victims’ families in their time of need.
Key Takeaways
- Four individuals were killed and 20 others injured in the shooting.
- The shooting occurred during a large gathering for Battery Creek High School alumni.
- Numerous eyewitnesses have not come forward, citing fears of retaliation.
- A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
- The community is receiving support sessions for healing and coping.
FAQ Section
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2025?
A mass shooting occurred resulting in four fatalities and 20 injuries.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims include: Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort; A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island.
How many people were present at the gathering when the shooting took place?
Approximately 500 to 700 people were present at the gathering, an after-party for Battery Creek High School alumni.
What measures are being taken to investigate the shooting?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, collecting DNA evidence, firearms, and shell casings for analysis. Video recordings from the scene have been forwarded to the FBI.
What is being done to encourage witnesses to come forward?
Law enforcement is encouraging individuals with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of safety and cooperation in the community. A $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest has also been publicly offered.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Casualties | Four fatalities, 20 injuries |
| Victims | Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’Shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary |
| Gathering Size | 500 to 700 attendees |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made |
| Community Response | $10,000 reward offered, healing support sessions provided |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Government Shutdown Impacts Beaufort Family’s Access to Audiobooks
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Beaufort County Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
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
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Loved Ones Remember St. Helena Shooting Victim
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- WLOS: Investigation into South Carolina Mass Shooting
- Google Search: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- WTOC: Multiple GoFundMe’s Created for Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass shooting
- Charleston City Paper: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting Probe Stalls
- Google News: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- WRDW: Sheriff Seeks Leads in Mass Shooting
- Island Packet: Community Memory and Response to 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.
