19-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder in Bluffton Shooting

Bluffton, South Carolina, September 10, 2025

News Summary

In Bluffton, South Carolina, a 19-year-old man, Malik Geoffrey Winston, has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident that left an 18-year-old victim hospitalized with serious injuries. The shooting occurred on the night of September 3, prompting police to conduct a health and welfare check. The victim was found in a vehicle with a gunshot wound and is currently receiving medical care. Authorities are seeking public assistance in the ongoing investigation.

Bluffton, South Carolina – A 19-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting that left an 18-year-old victim hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident took place on the night of September 3, prompting police to respond to a health and welfare check at a residence located at 1225 May River Road.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the young victim in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Emergency services airlifted the victim to a local hospital, where they remain under medical care as of the latest reports.

The alleged gunman, identified as Malik Geoffrey Winston, was arrested shortly after the incident. He has since been booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center. The charges against him include attempted murder, with local authorities confirming that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Detectives working on the case are asking the public for any additional information that may assist in their inquiries. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Detective Amanda Luechtefeld via email or phone with the Bluffton Police Department.

Details of the Incident

• Location: 1225 May River Road, Bluffton, South Carolina
• Incident Date: September 3
• Victim: 18-year-old male from Hilton Head
• Injury: Gunshot wound to the upper torso
• Status: Victim hospitalized, condition serious
• Alleged Gunman: Malik Geoffrey Winston, 19
• Charges: Attempted murder
• Arrest: Booked into Beaufort County Detention Center on a Monday afternoon

Background Context

This shooting incident is part of an unsettling trend in violence among youth, highlighting the pressing need for community engagement and intervention programs. Bluffton, a generally peaceful town, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, raising concerns among residents about safety and the well-being of young individuals in the area.

Local authorities are focusing on preventative measures and community outreach to address the root causes of youth violence, ensuring that similar events do not occur in the future. As the investigation progresses, details are likely to emerge that will provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Contact Information for Tips

Those wishing to provide information regarding the shooting can reach out to the Bluffton Police Department, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in helping to resolve this case.

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Additional Resources

• WJCL: Bluffton May River Road Shooting
• ABC News 4: Bluffton Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Attempted Murder
• Bluffton Today: Judge Sentences Bluffton Man to Life in Prison
• Island Packet: Local Crime Report
• ABC News 4: Bluffton Man Gets Life After Pleading Guilty to Ex-Girlfriend’s Murder
• Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
• Google Search: Bluffton South Carolina shooting
• Google Scholar: Bluffton South Carolina crime
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluffton
• Google News: Bluffton shooting September 3

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.