Burton, Beaufort County, January 17, 2026
Tyre Joe Atkins, a 21-year-old man from St. Helena Island, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Ty Haskell Jenkins in Burton. This arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which identified Atkins as a suspect after the shooting incident on September 10, 2025. He faces multiple charges, including murder, as the community seeks reassurance after this violent crime.
BEAUFORT COUNTY
A St. Helena Island man, Tyre Joe Atkins, 21, was arrested by Beaufort County deputies on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Burton in September 2025. The arrest concludes an extensive investigation into the incident which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Ty Haskell Jenkins, also a resident of St. Helena. Atkins faces multiple serious charges, including murder.
Investigation Culminates in Arrest
The arrest of Atkins marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to address violent crime within the community. Deputies identified Atkins as a suspect in the September 10, 2025, shooting and subsequently took him into custody. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated breach of peace, and two related firearms offenses. This apprehension comes after months of dedicated investigation following the tragic event.
The fatal shooting of Ty Haskell Jenkins occurred on the afternoon of September 10, 2025, at the Independence Mobile Home Park in Burton, an unincorporated community within Beaufort County, South Carolina. Jenkins, like Atkins, was from St. Helena. Atkins himself was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds, a detail that was instrumental in deputies quickly identifying him as a suspect in the initial stages of the investigation.
Law Enforcement’s Persistent Pursuit of Justice
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting, promoting, preserving, and enhancing the public safety of citizens countywide. Law enforcement agencies in Beaufort County frequently dedicate significant resources to complex cases, involving forensic analysis, witness interviews, and data examination over extended periods to ensure thorough investigations. The process from the commission of a crime to an arrest requires meticulous work to establish probable cause. Probable cause, defined as facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and that the subject to be arrested committed the crime, is a critical standard that must be met before an arrest can be made. This commitment to detailed investigation underscores the persistence required to bring those accused of violent crimes to justice.
The ability to make an arrest without a warrant is permissible when a violation of law occurs in the presence of a law enforcement officer, though in many complex cases, an arrest warrant is obtained. To secure a warrant in South Carolina, law enforcement officers must present evidence outlining the existence of probable cause to a magistrate or municipal judge. These foundational principles of the justice system ensure that arrests are made based on verifiable facts and diligent police work.
Community Reassurance and Legal Process Ahead
The arrest in connection with the 2025 Burton shooting offers a measure of reassurance to the residents of Beaufort County, particularly those in the Burton and St. Helena Island communities affected by the violent incident. Bringing suspects into custody is a vital step in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law. Following an arrest in Beaufort County, an individual is typically taken to the Beaufort County Detention Center, where they are booked and incarcerated.
The legal process for Tyre Joe Atkins will now proceed through the courts. This typically involves initial bond hearings before a magistrate, municipal judge, or General Sessions judge, followed by further court appearances as the case develops. The judicial system is designed to ensure due process for all individuals, allowing for the presentation of evidence and legal arguments. The community will likely follow the progression of this case closely as it moves through the various stages of the court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was arrested in connection with the September 2025 Burton shooting?
- Tyre Joe Atkins, a 21-year-old man from St. Helena Island, was arrested by Beaufort County deputies.
- When did the arrest take place?
- The arrest occurred on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026.
- What charges does Tyre Joe Atkins face?
- He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, aggravated breach of peace, and two related firearms offenses.
- Who was the victim of the fatal shooting?
- The victim was Ty Haskell Jenkins, a 20-year-old man also from St. Helena.
- When and where did the shooting occur?
- The shooting happened on the afternoon of September 10, 2025, at the Independence Mobile Home Park in Burton.
Key Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal Shooting and Arrest |
| Location of Incident | Independence Mobile Home Park, Burton, Beaufort County, South Carolina |
| Date of Shooting | Afternoon of September 10, 2025 |
| Victim | Ty Haskell Jenkins, 20, of St. Helena |
| Suspect | Tyre Joe Atkins, 21, of St. Helena Island |
| Date of Arrest | Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026 |
| Charges | Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Breach of Peace, Two Related Firearms Offenses |
| Investigating Agency | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
Now Happening on X
- @ABCNews4 (January 16, 2026, 4:15 PM): A St. Helena Island man has been arrested in connection with a September 2025 shooting that left one man dead in Burton, as announced by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. View on X
- @islandpacket (January 16, 2026, 5:40 PM): A 21-year-old faces murder charges following a fatal shooting at a Beaufort-area trailer park. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 16, 2026, 6:34 PM): Officials report a man arrested in a Beaufort mobile home park shooting. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 17, 2026, 7:51 AM): Officials in Beaufort County are investigating multiple thefts of air conditioning units and copper wiring, seeking public assistance. View on X
- @bcsopio (January 15, 2026, 1:06 AM): A special weather statement is in effect until 1:00 PM Thursday for Beaufort County. View on X
- @islandpacket (January 15, 2026, 1:20 PM): A firearm discharge ban is being considered after reports of errant bullets in Bluffton and Port Royal areas of Beaufort County. View on X
- @WSAV (January 13, 2026, 9:30 PM): Gunfire in a Bluffton neighborhood may lead to new law changes in unincorporated Beaufort County. View on X
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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.
