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.
Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Charged With Murder Months After Her Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Brevard County, Fla. — New court filings reveal that Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide in connection with her death, months after she was found deceased aboard a cruise ship during a family vacation.
Anna, a resident of Titusville, was discovered dead in her stateroom on November 7, 2025, while traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to court documents, her body was found under a bed in the cabin.
Filings state that she died from asphyxiation resulting from what was described as a “bar hold.”
Because Anna’s death occurred while the ship was in open water returning to Miami following a weeklong Caribbean cruise, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
On February 20, Thomas Hudson filed an emergency petition in Brevard County seeking sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson.
The child currently resides primarily with Shauntel and her husband, Chris Kepner—Anna’s father.
The petition asserts that there has been a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances” warranting an immediate modification of parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements. The filing references information circulating on social media from the Kepner family indicating that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother was charged with homicide on February 3 by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The document further alleges that newly obtained information may call into question the judgment and parenting decisions within the household.
A law enforcement source confirmed that the 16-year-old appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6.
According to the source, U.S. Marshals escorted the teen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and a public defender appeared before a magistrate judge in a closed hearing.
Following the proceeding, Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner released a statement expressing frustration over the court’s decision to grant the teen release.
“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage,” the statement read in part. “It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.”
The homicide charge marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the location of the alleged crime and the family relationships involved.
Federal authorities continue to handle the prosecution, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains active.