News Summary
The Garden Oaks Apartment complex in Beaufort experiences its third shooting in six months, sparking safety concerns among residents. The latest incident on May 28 resulted in injuries to two individuals. In response, local authorities are implementing safety measures and addressing tenant concerns. A police substation will be established on-site, alongside increased patrols and eviction notices. Community efforts aim to tackle rising violence attributed to visitors. As investigation continues, law enforcement calls for public assistance in addressing these troubling events.
Beaufort – The Garden Oaks Apartment complex has been the site of its third violent shooting within a six-month period, further raising concerns about safety among residents and law enforcement. The most recent incident took place on May 28, 2025, around 6:25 p.m., resulting in injuries to two men.
Beaufort Police were alerted to reports of shots fired at the complex, located at 2000 Salem Road. Upon arrival, officers found one man outside with a gunshot wound. Police provided immediate assistance until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported him to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. The second victim, who had suffered three gunshot wounds, fled the scene in a vehicle. Authorities were able to track down the vehicle after the driver’s injuries caused the car to stop, and police again provided aid until EMS arrived.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two individuals exchanged gunfire, leading to the injuries sustained. In connection with the incident, 35-year-old Gasnel O’Bryan Miller was arrested on May 31 and faces multiple charges including:
- Discharging a firearm into a vehicle
- Breach of peace (aggravated in nature)
- Pointing and presenting a firearm at another person
- Discharging firearms within city limits
- Possession with intent to distribute
As of June 3, Miller remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
The City of Beaufort has recognized an alarming increase in criminal activity within the Garden Oaks Apartment complex. In response to residents’ concerns, several initiatives have been implemented to enhance safety in the area. These measures include:
- The establishment of a Police Substation located on-site within one of the apartments to facilitate greater law enforcement visibility.
- The addition of over 60 extra patrols and foot patrols to ensure a more significant police presence.
- The management’s filing of nine Writs of Eviction, including one related to the most recent shooting incident.
A community meeting aimed at promoting safety and resident engagement is scheduled to take place in the near future, focusing on addressing security concerns and providing support to residents in the complex.
Officials have indicated that the violent incidents occurring at Garden Oaks do not appear to involve the residents themselves but are attributed to visitors or trespassers on the property. In response to ongoing criminal activity, the City Council plans to discuss a new nuisance abatement ordinance during an upcoming Work Session meeting on June 10.
This recent shooting episode joins a troubling pattern of violent crimes at the Garden Oaks Apartment complex. Previous incidents include the tragic death of 62-year-old Huey Marshall in December, allegedly involving Bryan Antwan Thomas, 35, who is now facing murder charges. Furthermore, the February shooting death of 26-year-old Tahir A. Bailey has resulted in Derrick Lamonte Singleton Jr. being charged with murder and related offenses.
The Beaufort Police Department is actively urging anyone with information regarding the May 28 shooting to reach out either directly to Lt. Mendicino or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County. As the community grapples with rising violence, authorities are focused on improving security measures and fostering a safer living environment for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort City Officials Address Uptick in Crime
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Island Packet: Local Beaufort News
- Google Search: Beaufort Crime Statistics
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Police Investigating Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Apartment Complexes
- Your Island News: Shooting Incident at Garden Oaks Apartments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime
- MSN: City of Beaufort Responds to Uptick in Crime
- Google News: Beaufort Shooting
