St. Helena Island, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A devastating mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has resulted in four deaths and sixteen injuries. The incident occurred during a crowded gathering for an unofficial reunion, causing chaos as attendees fled for safety. The community is mourning as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, appealing for eyewitness accounts. The identities of the suspects are believed to be known, but police require further evidence to make arrests and ensure public safety.
St. Helena Island
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, occurred just after 1 a.m. on October 12, resulting in four deaths and sixteen injuries. The victims were identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22; and Amos Gary, 54. This tragic event coincided with a crowded gathering for an unofficial Battery Creek High School alumni event, which attracted approximately 700 attendees.
Among the sixteen injured, four victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The chaotic scene prompted many attendees to flee for safety into nearby businesses and properties as gunfire erupted. The incident has left the community in mourning, with grieving families expressing sorrow over the loss of their loved ones, who were cherished members of the St. Helena Island community.
According to Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner, the shooting was sparked by a dispute involving two or three individuals from the local area. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made as authorities work to confirm the identities of the suspects. The sheriff’s office indicated that they believe they know who the suspects are but currently lack sufficient eyewitness accounts to make arrests.
Investigators are diligently analyzing evidence from the crime scene. This includes examining DNA samples and shell casings, as well as enhancing video footage from the area with support from the FBI. The initial report suggested that more than 20 individuals were injured; however, it was later confirmed that 16 sustained injuries during the shooting.
In light of the situation, authorities are urging eyewitnesses to come forward with any information regarding the shooting. Assurances have been made that individuals can report information anonymously. Sheriff Tanner expressed deep concern for public safety, emphasizing that he cannot guarantee safety in Beaufort County while the suspected shooters remain at large.
The community’s grief continues to reverberate through St. Helena Island as families and friends cope with their loss. Funeral services for the deceased have yet to be announced, but local leaders are expected to hold community meetings to discuss safety measures moving forward.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement urging cooperation from the public in bringing the suspects to justice. Further details will be provided as updates emerge from the investigation.
FAQs
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, just after 1 a.m. on October 12. Four people were killed, and sixteen others were injured.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims were Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22; and Amos Gary, 54.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
Sixteen others were injured, with four victims critically hurt and transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Is anyone in custody for the shooting?
There have been no arrests made in connection with the shooting, and authorities believe they know who the suspects are but lack confirmatory eyewitness accounts.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Investigators are analyzing evidence, including DNA samples and shell casings, and enhancing video footage from the scene with assistance from the FBI.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Date & Time | October 12, just after 1 a.m. |
| Casualties | 4 dead, 16 injured (4 critically) |
| Event Type | Unofficial Battery Creek High School alumni event |
| Community Impact | Grieving families, ongoing investigation, heightened safety concerns |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead at St. Helena Island Gathering
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
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Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Beaufort County Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Multiple Casualties
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Island Packet
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- WTOC
- Google News: South Carolina mass 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.
