ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — On Monday, authorities released the identities of four individuals killed in a tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island. The incident occurred on Sunday night, amidst a celebration attended by Alumni from Battery Creek High School, and resulted in at least 20 others being wounded.
The victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, Chiraad Smalls, 33, Amos Gary, 54, and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. Following the shooting, flowers and candles were placed outside the bar as a tribute.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing leads and stated, “We appreciate the many members of the community who have been coming forward with information, and we thank you for your patience as we navigate through this challenging situation." Investigators continue to look for persons of interest related to the shooting.
Willie’s Bar and Grill prides itself on being a community hub and serves Gullah-inspired cuisine. The bar's owner, Willie Turral, expressed his grief about the incident, noting the deep responsibilities that come with operating a local establishment during such a tragic time.
The Gullah community, which includes an estimated 5,000 individuals on the island, descends from enslaved West Africans who worked on local rice plantations before the Civil War.
This story has been updated for accuracy regarding the name of one of the victims, as confirmed by the coroner’s office.
