In the early hours of October 12, 2025, the tranquil community of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, was shattered by a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill. What should have been a night of celebration for Battery Creek High School alumni turned into chaos and heartbreak, leaving four dead and at least 20 wounded. As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with grief, fear, and a search for answers that seem frustratingly out of reach.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the violence erupted just after 1 a.m., as a crowd of 600 to 700 people gathered in the parking lot outside Willie’s Bar and Grill. Sheriff P.J. Tanner told the press that the shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud between two or possibly three individuals, all with ties to Beaufort County. "They had an ongoing feud with each other," Tanner explained, as reported by NPR. "They resorted to pulling guns." The sheriff declined to specify how many suspects were being sought or to reveal their ages, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect its integrity.
The tragic toll included four fatalities: Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; and Kashawn “KK” Smalls-Glaze, 22, of Beaufort. Among the wounded, four were initially listed in critical condition, though by Wednesday, two were reportedly "doing a lot better," according to Sheriff Tanner during a press conference covered by The Island Packet.
Despite the presence of hundreds of witnesses, law enforcement faces a wall of silence. "We had 700 people at this party, and we have yet to get a witness that can tell us who the shooters are," Tanner stated, as reported by The Island Packet. Fear of retaliation looms large, and the sheriff acknowledged the difficulty of assuring public safety while suspects remain at large. "I cannot tell you that you are safe in Beaufort County," he admitted, echoing the uncertainty felt by many residents.
Authorities have not yet filed charges in connection with the shooting, though several individuals have been arrested on unrelated offenses as investigators sift through the aftermath. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The FBI is enhancing video evidence, while SLED is analyzing firearms, shell casings, and projectiles recovered from the scene. Local forensic labs are also conducting DNA analysis to connect suspects to the weapons used.
Witnesses described hearing rapid-fire shots, possibly from an automatic weapon, which sent partygoers fleeing into nearby homes and businesses. The scene was described as "horrific" by Sheriff Tanner, who added, "Four souls were lost to senseless gunfire." The violence erupted just before closing time, about 30 minutes before the end of the alumni tailgate event. Willie Turral, the owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, insisted that those responsible were not patrons of the reunion. “None of them were patrons of the building,” Turral said, characterizing the shooters as "terrorists who came into a crowded lot of people and opened fire."
The shooting took place in Frogmore, the commercial heart of St. Helena Island, not far from the historic Penn Center. The area is known for its vibrant Gullah Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans who have maintained their unique culture and traditions. For many, the violence struck at the heart of a tight-knit community already facing challenges from rapid development and limited resources for youth.
At the Wednesday press conference, community members and family of the victims voiced their grief and frustration. Derrick Webb, mourning his relative A’shan’tek Milledge, spoke about the lack of opportunities for young people. "If you don’t give them nothing to do, they’re going to find something negative to do," Webb said, as reported by The Island Packet. He described Milledge as a hardworking mother of two, recently returned from Atlanta, who always sought to contribute to family gatherings. “What are we putting on the grill?” he recalled her asking, adding, “We are very proud of her.”
Dr. Cynthia Gregory-Smalls, a retired educator related by marriage to one of the victims, called for more engagement between law enforcement and local youth. Other residents echoed concerns about the growing presence of gangs and the lack of safe spaces for children. “We’ve got a problem in Beaufort County,” Sheriff Tanner acknowledged, as quoted by NPR. He pointed to a surge in gang activity and the proliferation of machine guns. Over the past 18 months, the sheriff’s office has made 24 arrests for possession of machine guns, but only six suspects remain in jail. “A bond that you would laugh at,” Tanner said. “And it’s not funny.”
While some in the community questioned whether the shooting was gang-related or connected to racial tensions, Sheriff Tanner rejected both characterizations. He insisted, “It’s not a race issue,” and described the dispute as a personal feud that escalated. Nonetheless, he noted that social media often lays the groundwork for real-life violence, amplifying conflicts that might otherwise remain contained.
As rumors swirled on social media about potential arrests, police clarified that recent charges for machine gun possession were not related to the mass shooting. The investigation remains active and complex, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The sheriff’s office has specifically asked the public to contact Investigator Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418.
The tragedy at Willie’s Bar and Grill has left St. Helena Island searching for a path forward. The historic Penn Center, a symbol of resilience and community, stands as a reminder of the island’s enduring spirit. Yet, the events of October 12 have exposed deep vulnerabilities—ranging from youth disenfranchisement to a justice system struggling to keep up with rising violence. As law enforcement continues its painstaking investigation, residents are left to mourn, reflect, and demand change in hopes that such a night will never repeat itself.
