Sheriff Calls Lack of Witnesses ‘Ridiculous’ After Four Killed, 16 Injured in St. Helena Island Mass Shooting

ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. — Authorities in Beaufort County are pleading for cooperation after a mass shooting at a crowded bar left four people dead and 16 injured early Sunday, October 12. Despite nearly 700 people in attendance, investigators say no witnesses have come forward to identify the shooters.

Beaufort County Sheriff P. J. Tanner expressed frustration during a Wednesday press conference, calling the silence “ridiculous” and urging those who were there to speak up — even anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“We had 700 people at this party, and we have yet to get a witness who can tell us who the shooters are. It’s ridiculous,” Tanner said. “People want to cooperate, but they’re afraid of retribution.”

Chaos at 25th Anniversary Class Reunion Party

The shooting happened shortly before closing time at Willie’s Bar and Grill, during a 25-year reunion celebration for Battery Creek High School’s Class of 2000.

Investigators believe the gunfire erupted after a dispute between two or three individuals, all from the Beaufort County area, who began shooting indiscriminately into the massive crowd. About 300 people were inside the bar and another 400 outside when bullets began flying.

“When that many shots are fired in a crowd that large, multiple people get injured. Multiple people died,” Tanner said.

Four victims were identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Amos Gary, 54; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22.

Investigation Focused on Evidence, Not Eyewitnesses

Tanner said deputies are now relying heavily on forensic evidence to build a solid case.

• Shell casings and bullets recovered from the scene and from victims’ bodies are being sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for analysis.
• The FBI is enhancing security video from inside and outside the bar to help identify shooters.
• Investigators are also conducting DNA testing on recovered items.

“Building a case on evidence instead of eyewitness testimony takes time,” Tanner said. “What I’m not going to do is victimize these families a second time by rushing charges that won’t hold.”

The sheriff declined to specify how many people may have fired weapons or to release details about possible suspects.

A Community in Mourning

The tragedy has shaken St. Helena Island, home to more than 5,000 Gullah residents, descendants of West Africans who were enslaved on local plantations before gaining freedom after the Civil War.

Willie’s Bar and Grill, where the shooting occurred, is known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and community involvement. On its website, the restaurant describes itself as “a community pillar committed to giving back, especially to our youth.”

Owner Willie Turral told reporters that the shooting was a heartbreaking moment for a place meant to bring people together.

Call for Cooperation and Justice

As investigators process evidence, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to report any information anonymously. Tanner said even small details could help identify those responsible for the violence that took four lives and devastated dozens of families.

The sheriff emphasized that his department’s goal is to ensure strong, lasting convictions, not rushed arrests.

“Our responsibility is to get justice — real justice — for these families,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Beaufort County Crimestoppers.

Readers can share condolences for the victims and join discussions on community safety in South Carolina at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.