October 15, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Bar Claims Four Lives

St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Breakfast Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities during a high school alumni celebration. Over 20 people were injured, with several in critical condition. The shooter remains at large as authorities investigate. This incident marks another tragedy for the community, which has endured similar losses in the past.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – Tragic Mass Shooting at Bar Claims Four Lives

Four individuals were fatally shot during a high school alumni celebration at Willie’s Breakfast Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. The incident has left over 20 people injured, with many in critical condition. The victims, who have all been identified, were residents of South Carolina and included:

Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort
Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton
Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena

Among the deceased was a security guard assigned to the venue, as the bar hosted a lively alumni celebration for local Battery Creek High School graduates. The shooting unfolded shortly after midnight on Sunday, around 12:50 a.m., causing chaos in the packed establishment, as eyewitness accounts described the scene filled with panic and fear.

The owner of Willie’s Breakfast Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, reported hearing what he characterized as “machine gun fire” while inside the establishment, which had a capacity crowd of “hundreds of people.” Deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrived promptly, discovering four individuals deceased at the scene and at least four more critically injured. Preliminary reports indicated a total of approximately 20 attendees sustained injuries in the incident.

As investigators begin to piece together the events, the sheriff’s office announced they are exploring leads regarding “persons of interest” related to the shooting but had not made any arrests at the time of reporting. The motive behind the tragic event remains unclear, and officials are urging anyone with information to step forward and assist in the investigation.

St. Helena Island, known for its rich Gullah Geechee culture, has experienced sorrow before. Just a year prior, the Gullah Geechee community faced another tragedy when seven individuals lost their lives during a gangway collapse at a historical celebration on Sapelo Island.

Prior to the shooting, the atmosphere at Willie’s Bar and Grill had been festive, with attendees enjoying the celebration’s spirit. The bar is considered a community cornerstone that promotes Gullah Geechee culture and cuisine, emphasizing its significance to the local identity.

Investigation Ongoing

As the community mourns the loss of lives, the investigation into this brutal incident continues. Local authorities remain focused on ensuring safety and uncovering the motive, calling for community engagement and cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Willie’s Breakfast Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred during a high school alumni celebration, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims were Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena.

What time did the shooting take place?

The shooting occurred around 12:50 a.m. on Sunday.

Was there a security presence at the event?

Yes, one of the deceased individuals was a security guard at Willie’s Breakfast Bar and Grill.

Is the motive behind the shooting known?

The motive behind the shooting has not yet been determined. Authorities are investigating.

What measures are being taken by law enforcement?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating “persons of interest” but had not made any arrests at the time of the report.

What is the significance of Gullah Geechee culture?

St. Helena Island is known for its Gullah Geechee culture, which is deeply rooted in the region’s historical context involving African slaves and their descendants.

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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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