St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left four dead and 16 injured during a high school reunion party. Investigators are facing challenges in gathering witness cooperation as the community mourns the tragic loss. While those injured are receiving treatment, law enforcement searches for suspects, offering a reward for information. A memorial for the victims has been created outside the bar, highlighting the community’s grief and support.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting early Sunday morning left four dead and 16 others injured at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a high school reunion party. The tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m. as approximately 700 attendees, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Battery Creek High School class of 2000, enjoyed the festivities.
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that investigators are diligently working to piece together the events of the night. However, they have encountered challenges in obtaining substantial witness cooperation, a factor the Sheriff attributed to fears of retribution among potential witnesses.
Of the four victims who were pronounced dead at the scene, two were 22 years old: Kashawn Glaze and A’shan’tek “Booda” Milledge, both from Beaufort. The third victim, Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, was 33 and also from Beaufort. The fourth deceased was Amos Gary, 54, a security guard at the bar at the time of the shooting. Among the injured, four individuals were reported in critical condition and received treatment at local hospitals.
Initial reports had indicated higher numbers of injuries, but the Sheriff clarified that it was 16 individuals who sustained injuries from gunfire. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute involving two or three individuals who were acquainted with one another. As investigators work to gather evidence, they are analyzing DNA samples, weapons, and bullets, and enhancing video footage from the bar.
No arrests have been made thus far, but law enforcement has identified certain “persons of interest” related to the shooting. Moreover, a local law firm has offered a $10,000 reward for credible information leading to arrests in connection with the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, community members have come together to create a memorial outside of the bar, placing flowers to honor the victims and display support for the affected families. The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, expressed disbelief that such a violent act could take place during what was meant to be a joyful celebration, describing the shooters as “terrorists.”
Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of eyewitness testimony in this case, while simultaneously working to collect evidence that may lead to the identification and arrest of suspects. This mass shooting incident comes amid growing concerns about public safety, particularly during large gatherings in the region.
The situation remains fluid as investigators continue to follow leads and work with the community to restore a sense of safety, while families mourn their losses and seek justice for the tragic turn of events.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning, killing four people and injuring 16 at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
How many people were injured, and what is their condition?
A total of 16 people were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition and treated at local hospitals.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The four victims pronounced dead at the scene were Kashawn Glaze (22, Beaufort), Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls (33, Beaufort), A’shan’tek “Booda” Milledge (22, Burton), and Amos Gary (54, St. Helena).
What are investigators doing about the shooting?
Investigators are analyzing DNA, weapons, and bullets, and are enhancing video footage from the bar. They are also looking into persons of interest, and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to arrests.
What caused the shooting?
The shooting is believed to have originated from a dispute between two or three individuals acquainted with each other.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Date and Time | Early Sunday morning around 1 a.m. |
| Attendees | Approximately 700 people at a high school reunion |
| Casualties | Four dead, 16 injured (four critical condition) |
| Investigative Action | Analyzing DNA and video footage; no arrests made yet |
| Community Response | Memorial created outside the bar, $10,000 reward offered |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island High School Reunion
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting Investigation at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Additional Resources
- ABC News: South Carolina Mass Shooting Investigation
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- CBS News: St. Helena Bar Shooting
- Google Search: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- BBC News: St. Helena Shooting Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- Island Packet: Local Crime Update
- Google News: St. Helena Island shooting
- Your Island News: Tragedy on St. Helena
- NBC News: Shooting in South Carolina Bar
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.
