October 23, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 23, 2025

News Summary

A devastating mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island during a high school reunion event, resulting in four fatalities and 20 injuries. Local law enforcement has initiated an investigation, recovering evidence and urging community involvement. Community leaders have expressed their condolences and called for action against gun violence as memorials for the victims begin to emerge.

St. Helena Island witnessed a tragic mass shooting on October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 20 others. The shooting occurred at around 1 a.m. during a high school reunion event for Battery Creek High School, attracting approximately 700 attendees to the bar.

The deceased victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze (22), Sherrod Smalls (33), A’shan’tek Milledge (22), and Amos Gary (54). The destructive incident involved multiple shooters, as eyewitness accounts confirm at least two or more individuals firing weapons during the chaos.

Local law enforcement, specifically the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), responded promptly to reports of gunfire and initiated an investigation immediately. Investigators have been working diligently to gather evidence from the scene, recovering shell casings and several firearms, which are currently being analyzed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

In connection to the shooting, Anferney Devon Freeman, a 27-year-old man, was rebooked into the Beaufort County Detention Center on October 21 after his bond was revoked. Freeman had been arrested on October 14 for unrelated charges before being rebooked, although no official arrests have been made directly related to the mass shooting as of October 21. Investigators continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence from the crime scene.

Community members have been encouraged to provide any information about the shooting, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has created a digital tips website for media related to the case. Following the tragedy, an outpouring of sorrow has been observed from the local community. Restaurant owner Willie Turral and manager Sandy Rose have emphasized the impact this tragedy has had on both their establishment and the area.

In the aftermath, memorials for the victims have begun to appear, with community members mourning and advocating for solutions to combat gun violence. Local political leaders, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, have publicly expressed their condolences and called for action to address the pressing issue of gun violence.

The BCSO has also urged the public to submit anonymous tips related to the incident via Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County, as investigators remain dedicated to bringing those responsible for the shooting to justice.

FAQ

What occurred during the mass shooting on St. Helena Island?

A mass shooting occurred on October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, leaving four dead and 20 injured.

Who were the victims of the mass shooting?

The victims include Kashawn Glaze (22), Sherrod Smalls (33), A’shan’tek Milledge (22), and Amos Gary (54).

When did the mass shooting take place?

The incident took place around 1 a.m. during a high school reunion event for Battery Creek High School.

What have authorities said about the ongoing investigation?

Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that investigators are still interviewing witnesses and examining evidence from the scene.

What is being done to address gun violence in the community?

Local political leaders, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, have publicly expressed condolences and called for action to address gun violence.

Key Features of the St. Helena Island Mass Shooting

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Victims	Four dead, 20 injured
Victim Names	Kashawn Glaze, Sherrod Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary
Approximate Attendees	700
Investigation Status	Ongoing with no official arrests as of October 21
Community Response	Memorials appearing, calls for gun violence solutions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort Community Mourns Loss of Local Figures
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Beaufort County Investigates Two Separate Shootings
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
Community in Mourning After Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill
Beaufort County Investigates Double Shooting in Bluffton and St. Helena
Investigations Underway After Two Shooting Incidents
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island Leaves Four Dead
New Elementary School Groundbreaking in Bluffton

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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