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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.