Crime
U.S. Navy Sailor Shawon Shamarion Williams Arrested in Connection with Little River Mass Shooting
LITTLE RIVER, SC / LAKE COUNTY, IL — A U.S. Navy sailor has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting that occurred over Memorial Day weekend in Little River, South Carolina.
Authorities say 19-year-old Shawon Shamarion Williams was taken into custody in Lake County, Illinois, on Thursday, and is expected to face multiple charges stemming from the incident, which left at least 10 people injured.
According to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Williams, a Hull Maintenance Technician Seaman, was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago and assigned to the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command.
He was arrested Thursday afternoon and booked into the Lake County Jail as a fugitive of justice.
The shooting took place on the evening of Saturday, May 25, around 9:15 p.m., as guests disembarked from a private charter boat near Watson Avenue in Little River — a community near the South Carolina-North Carolina border.
The event was part of the “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O & Friends Annual Birthday Boat Party,” hosted by Jacklyn Patrice Bellamy.
Authorities believe an argument among attendees escalated into gunfire shortly after the vessel docked.
Cellphone footage captured the chaotic moments as gunshots rang out, sending people fleeing in panic.
Witness Jeremy Evans, one of the ten victims, recounted the terrifying experience. “We got shot coming off the boat. I was on the pier when I got hit in the leg,” Evans said. “I had to take off my shorts and wrap them around the wound. It was a mass shooting. Ten of us got sprayed on that deck.”
South Carolina authorities have confirmed that Williams will face several counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Officials also stated that additional arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
Cmdr. Jessica L. McNulty, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, confirmed Williams’ military assignment and noted that custody has been transferred to local law enforcement in preparation for extradition proceedings.
Williams is expected to appear in court Friday morning in Illinois, where the formal extradition process to South Carolina will begin.
The Horry County Police Department, which is leading the investigation, emphasized that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute during the private event.
The department is urging anyone with additional video footage or information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
The shooting has sparked renewed concerns about gun violence and safety during large public gatherings, particularly during holiday weekends.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.