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
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. — Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.