Tragic Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives

St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries during a high school alumni party. Patrons fled seeking safety as gunfire erupted shortly before 1 a.m. Despite the bar’s security measures, several individuals suffered from gunshot wounds, with some in critical condition. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and urging the public to share any relevant information as the community grapples with the shock of this tragic event.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – Four people were killed and at least twenty others were injured in a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Saturday morning. The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, during a crowded alumni party for Battery Creek High School. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of gunfire at the bar, where hundreds of patrons were present when the incident began. Witnesses and victims were seen fleeing to nearby businesses and homes seeking shelter from the gunfire.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found numerous individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, with at least four of the injured listed in critical condition and transported to local hospitals. Some victims even arrived at hospitals independently to receive treatment for their injuries. The names of the deceased have not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Willie Turral, the owner of the bar, described the gunfire as sounding like “machine gun fire.” He stated that prior to the incident, the atmosphere was festive and enjoyable amidst the alumni party. Turral had taken extra security precautions, including hiring armed security guards, in anticipation of such a high-profile event. One of the deceased was identified as a security officer and a close acquaintance of Turral.

The shooting incident took place on St. Helena Island, which is part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, representing the culture of African descendants in the area. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and they are looking into persons of interest related to the shooting. They are urging the public to provide tips and any information that could assist in the investigation.

South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak over this tragedy, extending her condolences to the victims and their families. This incident follows a concerning trend of gun violence in the region, including a recent wave of shootings in neighboring Mississippi that also resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Investigation and Community Impact

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the situation and is seeking assistance from the public in the form of tips that could lead to an arrest. The responsiveness and cooperation of the community will be crucial in uncovering the circumstances surrounding this event.

The shooting has elicited shock and concern among residents of St. Helena Island and nearby communities. Many are grappling with the implications of such violence occurring in their area, especially in a setting that was intended to bring people together. As more details emerge, local leaders and law enforcement are working to address the community’s safety and feelings of security.

Conclusion

The tragic events at Willie’s Bar and Grill have left a profound impact on the St. Helena Island community. As the investigation continues, the promise of justice for the victims and their families remains a priority for local authorities.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News
• Wikipedia: 2025 South Carolina shootings
• BBC News
• Google Search: South Carolina bar shooting October 2025
• NBC News
• Google Scholar: South Carolina bar shooting
• The Guardian
• Encyclopedia Britannica: bar shooting South Carolina
• Fox News
• Google News: South Carolina bar shooting

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.