October 21, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island Leaves Four Dead

St. Helena Island, October 21, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting on St. Helena Island left four dead and at least 16 injured during a high school reunion afterparty. The community mourns as investigations continue, and no arrests have been made. Vigil held for the victims reflects the profound sorrow and call for safer neighborhoods amidst rising concerns over youth gun violence.

St. Helena Island—A mass shooting occurred on St. Helena Island on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving at least 16 others injured. The incident took place just before 1 a.m. outside Willie’s Bar and Restaurant during an afterparty following a Battery Creek High School reunion that attracted an estimated 500 to 700 attendees.

The four victims who were pronounced dead at the scene have been identified as Amos Gary, 54; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, 22; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. In addition, four other victims were hospitalized, with two reported to be in critical condition. The community is grappling with the shock of this event as it mourns the lost lives.

During a vigil held on Saturday, community members gathered to pray and light candles in honor of the deceased, reflecting the community’s profound sorrow and the devastating impact of the shooting. According to Willie Turral, the owner of the bar, the gunfire sounded similar to a machine gun, intensifying fears within the crowd.

As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that the incident appears to stem from a feud involving two to three individuals known within the community. At least two of these suspected individuals are reportedly from Beaufort County, though specific identities or the number of suspects have not been disclosed.

The sheriff’s office has launched an investigation, collaborating with federal agencies as evidence from the scene is scrutinized. Community members have been urged to come forward with information, amid rising concerns surrounding public safety.

This tragic event unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing challenges related to youth gun violence and the cultural impacts faced by the community. The executive director of the Penn Center noted prior issues concerning the bar, including parking and trash complaints, highlighting tensions that existed even before this tragedy.

Funerals are being planned for the victims as community leaders actively seek solutions to the systemic issues that contribute to violence in the area. Residents express a strong desire to reclaim their community from violence while preserving their cultural heritage amid ongoing debates about development in the region.

The impact of this mass shooting will likely reverberate throughout St. Helena Island for years to come as efforts to heal begin and discussions on enhancing safety continue.

FAQ

What were the details of the mass shooting on St. Helena Island?

A mass shooting occurred on St. Helena Island on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving at least 16 others injured. The incident took place just before 1 a.m. outside Willie’s Bar and Restaurant during an afterparty following a Battery Creek High School reunion.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The four victims who were pronounced dead at the scene have been identified as Amos Gary, 54; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, 22; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. In addition, four other victims were hospitalized.

Have there been any arrests made?

As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that the incident may be linked to a feud involving two to three individuals connected to the community.

What is the community response to the tragedy?

The shooting has left the St. Helena Island community devastated. Residents held a vigil to honor the victims and expressed a strong desire to reclaim their community from violence while seeking solutions to systemic issues contributing to violence.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead

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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