St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a crowded alumni party for Battery Creek High School resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The incident occurred early Sunday, leaving the St. Helena Island community in mourning. Victims include local residents, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek information. Community leaders express deep concern over increasing violence in the area.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina — A mass shooting unfolded at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday, October 12, 2025, during a crowded alumni party for Battery Creek High School, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m., leaving the local community in shock.
The victims of this tragic event have been identified as Amos Ramon Gary, 54; Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. All four deceased individuals sustained gunshot wounds. In addition to the lives lost, multiple individuals were taken to hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Amos Gary, a part-time security guard at Willie’s Bar and Grill, was recognized for his valor during the incident. Survivors indicated he made efforts to shield patrons, pushing them to safety amid the chaos. His warm demeanor and daily prayer messages to family members were often noted by the community.
The shooting created a disordered scene that witnesses described as chaotic, filled with fear as patrons scrambled for safety. In the wake of this devastating incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation and is seeking potential persons of interest, with no arrests made as of October 13.
The bar’s owner, Willie Turral, expressed his deep gratitude for Gary’s bravery, indicating that his actions likely saved lives during the harrowing event. The tragedy has sent ripples of sadness through the tight-knit community of St. Helena Island, known for its rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage.
Residents have spoken out about their heartbreak and worry regarding the rise of violence in their neighborhood, traditionally seen as a peaceful area. Local authorities continue to call on anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers anonymously, as they continue their efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.
This mass shooting is the latest in a series of high-profile violent incidents that have shook communities across the nation, raising ongoing concerns about gun violence and the safety of public spaces.
Background Context
St. Helena Island has a long-standing history and is known for its community values steeped in the Gullah Geechee culture. The alumni party at Willie’s Bar and Grill was meant to be a celebration for former students of Battery Creek High School. Unfortunately, it turned tragic, leaving families grieving and the local community reeling from the loss and trauma caused by this violent act.
Investigation Update
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are prioritizing community safety and transparency as they piece together evidence from the scene. As concerns about violence grow, community leaders are advocating for dialogue and action to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence in everyday life and the profound effects it has on communities. With four lives lost and many injured, the legacy of this tragedy will linger long beyond the immediate aftermath.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, early Sunday, October 12, 2025, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims were identified as Amos Ramon Gary, 54; Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and looking into potential persons of interest; no arrests had been made as of October 13.
How has the community reacted to the shooting?
The shooting shocked the tight-knit community on St. Helena Island, with many locals expressing their heartbreak and concern over the violence occurring in their neighborhood.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Event | Mass shooting at alumni party |
| Fatalities | Four individuals |
| Injuries | At least 20, with several in critical condition |
| Investigating Agency | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Community Reaction | Shock and concern over violence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Bar Claims Four Lives
Four Killed in Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in South Carolina Claims Four Lives
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
- USA Today
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Post and Courier
- Google News: St. Helena shooting
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.
