Crime
St. Helena Island mass shooting victims identified
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has released the names of the 4 deceased individuals.
A’shan’tek Milledge (22) of Burton, Amos Gary (54) of St. Helena, Chiraad Smalls (33) of Beaufort, and Kashawn Glaze (22) of Beaufort, were all pronounced deceased at the scene.
The shooting, described as one of the deadliest in Beaufort County’s recent history, left four people dead and at least 20 others injured early Saturday morning.
The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar & Grill, located at 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on St. Helena Island.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the gunfire erupted during a Battery Creek High School alumni celebration that had drawn a large crowd of hundreds of attendees.
Witnesses reported that the event had been peaceful and lively before multiple gunshots suddenly rang out. In the chaos, partygoers fled in all directions, with some running to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter.
When deputies arrived, they found a large, chaotic scene with numerous victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical crews from Beaufort County EMS and multiple local fire departments responded, transporting critically injured victims to nearby hospitals. Several others later arrived at medical centers on their own seeking treatment.
Authorities confirmed that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least four others were transported in critical condition.
Among those killed was a security guard who had been working at the venue that night.
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokespersons stated that persons of interest have been identified, but did not confirm whether any arrests have been made.
Investigators continue to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses.
“This is a tragic and deeply painful event for our community,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We ask for patience as we work to uncover what led to this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families.”
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will release additional details regarding the deceased victims once all next-of-kin notifications are completed.
Willie’s Bar & Grill owner, Turral, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, describing the night as one that changed the community forever.
“We just have to come together and support each other right now,” Turral said. “It’s something horrible, something that shakes the whole community. My focus is on my staff and the families affected by this tragedy.”
He said it was too soon to discuss the future of the bar, as everyone remains focused on recovery and healing.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, assisted by state and local law enforcement agencies.
The area surrounding the bar remained cordoned off through the morning hours as forensic teams processed the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit information to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to report any suspicious or criminal activity to assist in bringing justice to the victims and their families.
MONROE, La. — The Monroe Police Department has launched an investigation into a tragic triple homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of October 28 in the 2000 block of Grammont Street.
Authorities confirmed that the victims have been identified as 26-year-old Jaborris Simpson, his 2-year-old daughter, Jhersi Simpson, and another adult male, Jamal Bosley.
All three were found deceased at the scene, each suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.
During a press conference held later that day, Monroe Police officials stated that narcotics are believed to have been a contributing factor in the crime.
Investigators also confirmed that the suspect and victims were known to one another, suggesting the incident was not a random act of violence.
Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and law enforcement leaders expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and the community, calling the deaths—particularly that of the young child—heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.
Mayor Ellis also announced a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the case.
“This is a tragedy that has shaken our city,” Ellis said. “We are asking the public to stand with us, share any information they may have, and help bring justice to this family.”
The Monroe Police Department continues to actively investigate the case, with detectives reviewing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Monroe Police Department or Crime Stoppers of North Delta.
Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for the $5,000 reward.