Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and over 20 injuries during a high school reunion event. Local authorities and the community expressed deep sorrow and a call for unity. A vigil was held for the victims as the ongoing investigation looks into identified persons of interest. Police emphasize the need for assistance from the public for more leads.

St. Helena Island witnessed a tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, which left four dead and more than 20 injured. The incident was reported shortly before 1 a.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where a large crowd had gathered for a high school reunion of Battery Creek High School.

At the scene, authorities found numerous individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services transported several victims to local hospitals, while others sought medical attention independently due to their injuries. As of Sunday morning, four people were confirmed dead at the scene, and at least 20 others were reported injured, with four of them in critical condition. The names of the deceased individuals have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

Witnesses described moments of chaos as patrons scrambled to nearby businesses to escape the gunfire. Willie Turral, the bar owner, expressed his sorrow over the incident, noting how the night shifted from a celebration to a scene of panic. Sandy Rose, co-owner and manager of Willie’s Bar and Grill, indicated that the community is now faced with the pressing need for unity to address the violence that has troubled the area.

A vigil to honor the victims was held by the staff of the bar on Sunday night. Local leaders, including the Penn Center Board of Trustees, expressed their heartbreak over the violence and reiterated their commitment to supporting the community through this difficult time.

Law enforcement agencies reported that the shooting is being treated as a “tragic and difficult” event that will have a lasting impact on the community. Police announced that they have identified “persons of interest” in the investigation, which remains ongoing. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information related to the shooting to reach out to Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan for assistance.

This incident marks a repeated concern for safety in the area, as it follows a previous shooting at the location in November 2022, which, thankfully, had no fatalities. The community is now rallying together in the wake of this most recent tragedy and is seeking ways to prevent future violence.

Key Details of the Incident

• Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
• Time: Approximately 1 a.m., Sunday morning
• Event: High school reunion for Battery Creek High School
• Fatalities: Four confirmed dead at the scene
• Injuries: Over 20 injured, four critical
• Previous Incidents: Previous shooting at the same location in November 2022, with no fatalities

Community Response and Investigation

• A vigil held to honor the victims
• Union among locals called for to combat violence
• Investigators pursuing leads on identified persons of interest
• Local leaders offering support to the community

Background Context

Mass shootings have been a growing concern nationwide, reflecting broader issues related to gun violence and community safety. Efforts to address these tragedies often include increasing police presence and community programs aimed at preventing violence.

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HERE Resources

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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
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Additional Resources

• WTOC
• Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
• WJCL
• Google Search: Mass Shooting Prevention
• ABC News 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• The New York Times
• Google News: Beaufort County Bar Shooting
• Live 5 News
• Google Scholar: Gun Violence

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.