Hardeeville Man Sentenced to Life for Random Shooting

Hardeeville, SC, August 2, 2025

News Summary

Nayquan Unique Gadson, a 22-year-old from Hardeeville, has received a life sentence for the murder of Breiner Daniel Puerto-Gonzalez, a 19-year-old hotel worker. The shooting, which occurred outside a convenience store, was described as completely random, causing shock within the community. The incident highlights the tragic consequences of senseless violence, raising concerns regarding safety in the Hilton Head area.

Hardeeville Man Sentenced to Life for Random Shooting of Hilton Head Island Hotel Worker

Hardeeville, SC – Nayquan Unique Gadson, a 22-year-old from Hardeeville, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Breiner Daniel Puerto-Gonzalez, a 19-year-old hotel worker. The sentence was handed down following a jury’s conviction on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The tragic incident occurred in November 2022, marking a senseless act that stunned the local community.

The fatal shooting took place outside a convenience store near North Ridge Plaza on William Hilton Parkway on November 15, 2022. According to the prosecution, the murder was entirely random. Deputy Solicitor Mary Jones described the act as both random and sickening, emphasizing that Gadson shot Puerto-Gonzalez after encountering him by chance.

Surveillance footage played a critical role in the investigation. It showed Puerto-Gonzalez arriving at the convenience store while engaged in a video call with his girlfriend. Shortly after, Gadson and his co-defendant, Cristopher Alexander ‘Pito’ Escobedo, arrived at the store on bicycles. After exiting the store, Puerto-Gonzalez left in the same direction as Gadson and Escobedo.

As the evidence presented at trial revealed, Escobedo testified that Gadson initiated a violent altercation with Puerto-Gonzalez, who attempted to flee. Gadson then shot Puerto-Gonzalez multiple times, fatally wounding him in the neck. Following the shooting, a nearby restaurant owner discovered Puerto-Gonzalez’s body along with his bicycle.

After the murder, surveillance footage captured the duo fleeing the scene; Escobedo was seen running from the area while Gadson rode away on a bicycle. To evade arrest, a friend transported both Gadson and Escobedo out of the county. In a twist, Escobedo fled to Honduras but eventually returned to the United States to cooperate with law enforcement and testified against Gadson.

In December 2023, Escobedo pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder. He was sentenced to five years, although the sentence was suspended to three years of probation in exchange for his testimony. Gadson was arrested weeks later at a relative’s residence in Port Wentworth, Georgia, where authorities located him.

Following a trial that lasted three days and included testimonies from 24 witnesses, Gadson was found guilty and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. In addition to his convictions for murder, Gadson faces pending legal issues in Jasper County for charges related to criminal sexual conduct with a minor and drug trafficking.

Background Information

The case garnered significant attention due to its random violence and the tragic loss of a young life. Breiner Daniel Puerto-Gonzalez, the victim, was working to support himself and was on a video call with his girlfriend at the time of the incident, reflecting the daily life of many young people trying to make ends meet. The violent nature of Gadson’s actions has sparked discussions about crime and safety in the Hilton Head Island community, urging local authorities to take actionable steps in improving security.

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Additional Resources

• WTOC: Hardeeville Man Convicted of Hilton Head Murder
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• AOL: Bluffton Man Arrested for Fatal Hilton Head Shooting
• Google Search: Hilton Head shooting
• ABC News: Hilton Head Island Shooting Suspect Arrested
• Google Scholar: Crime and Safety Hilton Head
• Live 5 News: Deputies Make Arrest in Hilton Head Shooting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• Island Packet: Hilton Head Crime News
• Google News: Hilton Head crime

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.