Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Last night, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications center received reports of gunshots on Lark Street on Hilton Head. When deputies arrived, they found two gunshot victims laying on the ground outside of a residence.
A 50-year-old female victim and a male victim, approximately 62 years of age, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
While on scene deputies quickly learned that the suspect fled in a vehicle. By use of ALPR cameras deputies were able to identify the vehicle and later located it in the area of Promenade St. in Bluffton. Through the investigation it was determined the suspect, a 52-year-old male, had returned to his residence on Promenade St.
A perimeter was established around the area and contact was made with the suspect by phone. It was learned that a 56-year-old female was in the residence with him. After negotiating with the suspect for several hours the female did exit the residence unharmed.
The Sheriff’s Office later made entry into the residence and located the body of the deceased male subject with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The circumstances that led up to this incident are still under investigation. Preliminary information appears that this was a domestic related incident. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the lead investigator, Sergeant Cushman, 843-255-3722.
Law enforcement presence may still be observed in areas of Hilton Head and in Bluffton in relation to this case, but there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to suspicious or criminal activity to report it by calling the 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).
