October 17, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives

St. Helena Island, October 17, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has resulted in four fatalities and left 20 others injured. The tragic event occurred during an unofficial reunion for Battery Creek High School alumni, with witnesses reporting rapid-fire gunshots. Investigators believe 2 to 3 suspects may be involved. The FBI and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are assisting in the investigation, which is ongoing as the community grapples with the impact of this violence. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to arrests.

St. Helena Island experienced a devastating mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 20 others. The incident took place shortly before 1 a.m. at the establishment located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, which was hosting an unofficial reunion for Battery Creek High School alumni attended by hundreds of community members.

The fatalities have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island. While earlier reports suggested 24 injured, the total number has been confirmed at 20. Among the injured, four individuals were critically wounded and transported to local hospitals, though their conditions remain unknown.

Witnesses noted hearing rapid-fire gunshots during the attack, indicating the possible use of an automatic weapon. Many patrons of the bar fled towards nearby businesses and homes to escape the barrage of gunfire. As investigations progress, Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner has indicated that two to three suspects are believed to be involved in the shooting and possibly have a prior feud. However, no witness confirmations regarding the identities of the shooters have emerged.

The ongoing investigation includes assistance from the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Authorities are working on enhancing video evidence from the scene and analyzing firearms, ammunition, and shell casings recovered. A reward of $5,000 has been offered for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting.

With the potential suspects still at large, public safety is a significant concern for the community. Sheriff Tanner acknowledged that this incident could be classified as one of the deadliest in Beaufort County’s history, particularly based on the number of injuries reported. The owner of Willie’s Bar, Willie Turral, expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing that the establishment serves as a connector for the community, far beyond just a venue for food and drinks. Following the tragic event, Turral held a vigil on Sunday to honor the victims.

In response to the shooting, community members gathered informally at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce to show support for the victims and their families. Local leaders have expressed ongoing concerns about rising gun violence, urging for more actions to prevent such tragic occurrences from happening in the future. Initially, local councilman York Glover called for the closure of the bar but later retracted the statement, instead advocating for prayer and community support in light of the violence.

Key Details

Number of Fatalities: 4
Number of Injured: 20
Time of Incident: Shortly before 1 a.m.
Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Event Type: Unofficial Battery Creek High School reunion
Potential Suspects: 2 to 3, believed to have a prior feud
Investigation Assistance: FBI and SLED
Reward Offered: $5,000 for information leading to arrest

Community Impact

The aftermath of the shooting has prompted discussions around gun violence in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for actionable solutions to prevent future incidents. Leaders and community members are rallying to support those affected and foster a safer environment. Community vigils and gatherings are taking place, showcasing the resilience and unity of the St. Helena Island community amid grief.

FAQ Section

What was the date and time of the mass shooting?

The mass shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

How many victims were reported?

A total of 20 victims were reported, with four fatalities confirmed.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims killed in the mass shooting were Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island.

What type of event was taking place at the bar?

The bar was hosting an unofficial reunion for Battery Creek High School alumni.

Who is involved in the investigation?

The FBI and SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) are assisting in the investigation.

What reward is being offered for information?

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrests related to the shooting.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at High School Reunion in South Carolina
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

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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