Full Notification

Shortly before 1 a.m. in the early morning of October 12, 2025, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received multiple reports of a shooting that occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., on St. Helena.

Upon arriving at the scene deputies made contact with a large crowd of people, several of which were suffering from gunshot wounds. It was learned that hundreds of people were at the location when the shooting occurred. Multiple victims and witnesses ran to the nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gun shots.

Several victims were transported by Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the hospital. More victims continued to show up at area hospitals seeking medical attention from injuries sustained at the scene.

The circumstances of this incident are still under investigation. At this time, we know that at least 20 people were injured. 4 were transported to area hospitals in critical conditions and 4 victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Names of victims will not be released at this time. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office may release additional information regarding the deceased victims pending notification of their next of kin.

This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating persons of interest. We appreciated the assistance of multiple Law Enforcement agencies, area Fire Departments, and Beaufort County EMS as we all worked the scene to assist those with injuries.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to report suspicious and criminal activity by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. If wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app on your mobile device, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).