News Summary
Following a series of violent incidents at the Garden Oaks Apartment Complex, including multiple shootings, Beaufort city officials and the police are implementing increased safety measures. A police substation has been established on-site, and residents are being evicted if linked to violence. A community meeting discussed potential safety measures, including parking decal permits. These initiatives aim to reassure residents and reduce crime, as city council plans to address a new nuisance abatement ordinance.
Beaufort is taking significant action to enhance safety at the Garden Oaks Apartment Complex following a series of violent incidents, including four shootings since April 2022, culminating in one man’s death. The latest incident occurred on May 28, injuring two individuals, prompting city officials and the Beaufort Police Department to step up efforts in addressing the crime concerns.
The May 28 shooting took place at approximately 6:25 p.m. and involved an isolated exchange of gunfire between the two injured parties. One of the victims was found outside the complex, while the other fled but was later located by authorities due to his injuries. In connection with this shooting, Gasnel O’Bryan Miller, 35, was arrested on May 31. The incident marked the third violent occurrence at Garden Oaks in just six months, following two previous fatal shootings.
In response to the growing concerns, the Beaufort Police Department has established a police substation at the Garden Oaks complex, which is staffed with at least one officer on duty from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day. In addition to the substation, the department has increased the patrol presence in the area, conducting six extra patrols daily. These measures aim to reassure residents and address the safety issues that have arisen in recent months.
As part of property management’s response to the violence, nine residents have been evicted from Garden Oaks, including an individual believed to be tied to a recent shooting incident. City Manager Scott Marshall noted that many of the crimes taking place at the complex are perpetrated by non-residents visiting the area, rather than by the community’s residents themselves. He assured residents that the incidents do not spread into the neighborhoods surrounding the complex.
To further secure the community, a community meeting was held to discuss potential safety measures, including the possible implementation of parking decal permits for residents. As of now, there are no plans to construct a gate around the apartment complex, as officials continue to explore practical strategies to maintain safety without imposing overly restrictive access measures.
The city council is set to address a new nuisance abatement ordinance in a meeting scheduled for June 10. This ordinance aims to establish clearer procedures for managing public nuisances effectively, reflecting the city’s commitment to reducing crime-related disturbances at Garden Oaks.
The violent history at Garden Oaks has prompted increased scrutiny from law enforcement. Lt. Lori Evans emphasized that each incident is treated as a separate case, and police continue to actively seek information from the public regarding any knowledge of the shootings. Previous incidents include the December 2024 murder of 62-year-old Huey Marshall, with Bryan Antwan Thomas facing murder charges in that case, and the February 2025 shooting death of 26-year-old Tahir A. Bailey, leading to the arrest of Derrick Lamonte Singleton Jr.
The city’s proactive measures at Garden Oaks signify an effort to curb the trend of violence and ensure the safety of its residents. By increasing police presence and holding community meetings, Beaufort aims to foster a safer environment and address the factors contributing to crime within the apartment complex.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort City Officials Address Crime at Garden Oaks Apartments
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Island Packet: Beaufort News on Garden Oaks
- Google Search: Beaufort Crime News
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Police Investigate Shooting
- Google Scholar: Crime Management
- WSAV: Shooting Response at Garden Oaks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice
- WTOC: Arrest Made in Garden Oaks Shooting
- Google News: Garden Oaks Apartments
