Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting during a Battery Creek High School alumni event at Willie’s Bar and Grill resulted in four fatalities and over 20 injuries. Witnesses described a lively atmosphere that turned chaotic as gunfire erupted, leading to panic among attendees. The local community is mourning the loss of the victims and grappling with the implications of violence in the region. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – At least four people were killed and over 20 injured in a mass shooting that took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a Battery Creek High School alumni weekend event early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 emergency call shortly before 1 a.m. about the unfolding chaos.

Upon deputies’ arrival, they were met with a large crowd, many of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that the bar had been bustling with hundreds of people when the gunfire erupted. In the ensuing panic, several victims and witnesses fled to nearby businesses for safety, while first responders worked to assist those injured.

Of the injured, four victims were in critical condition shortly after the incident, and tragically, four others were pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, Sherrod Smalls, 33, A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, and Amos Gary, 54. All four died from gunfire as confirmed by the local county coroner’s office. Notably, Amos Gary was working as a security officer at the bar and was among the victims who lost their lives while attempting to protect customers.

Local hospitals received numerous patients as Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services transported several individuals with injuries from the shooting. As the incident unfolded, more individuals continued to arrive at hospitals seeking medical attention. The community is grappling with the devastating aftermath as the sheriff’s office continues to investigate potential persons of interest, but no arrests have been announced as of October 13.

The atmosphere at the event had shifted dramatically from what bar owner Willie Turral described as a “fantastic time” to “mayhem” within moments. He expressed condolences for the lives lost, highlighting the profound impact on the community and reiterating that the victims’ loved ones cannot be replaced.

Willie’s Bar and Grill is well-known for serving authentic Gullah cuisine and often hosts community events, making this incident hit particularly hard on the island. In response to the tragedy, a vigil was held outside the bar where community members gathered to honor the victims, showing grief and support for their families.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to reach out to Investigator Master Sgt. Duncan from the sheriff’s office. In the wake of this tragic event, community leaders and bar staff are focusing on healing and addressing the rising concerns about violence in the region.

Background Information

St. Helena Island is part of Beaufort County and has a close-knit community. The area is known for its cultural history and frequent gatherings at local establishments like Willie’s Bar and Grill, which, unfortunately, has now become a site of tragedy.

Contact for Information

Individuals who may hold any information that could assist with the investigation are encouraged to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News
• Wikipedia: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
• USA Today
• Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
• Island Packet
• Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Helena Island
• WTOC
• Google News: St. Helena Island shooting
• WJCL
• Google Scholar: St. Helena Island shooting

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

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