In brief
Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced that the investigation into the weekend mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, SC, is ongoing, with no arrests made yet. The incident, which occurred during a large gathering, left four dead and 16 injured. Despite the sizable crowd, law enforcement officials are struggling to identify witnesses willing to come forward. Tanner urges anyone with information to report it anonymously through Crimestoppers, and emphasized the need for thorough analysis of the evidence, including DNA and video footage.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A sheriff said his deputies are methodically investigating a weekend mass shooting that killed four people and injured 16 more at a bar on a South Carolina island. No arrests have been made yet as investigators test DNA, analyze weapons and bullets, and enhance video from the crime scene of the early Sunday shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island. Sheriff P.J. Tanner emphasized the challenges posed by the large crowd that was present at the venue.
Investigators believe the shooting began as a dispute among a few individuals and quickly escalated, leading to indiscriminate firing. Tanner expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from witnesses, stating, “We had 700 people at this party. And we have yet to get a witness that can tell us who the shooters are.” He believes that while many want to help, fear of retribution is keeping them silent.
Tanner held a media briefing where he discussed the 'horrific' nature of the incident and the necessity for thorough forensic work. He stated, “Building a case based on evidence as opposed to eyewitnesses takes time.” Shell casings and bullets are being sent for further analysis, with investigators employing the FBI to enhance video footage from the scene.
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Amos Gary, 54; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. The bar, which prides itself on Gullah-inspired cuisine, serves as a community hub for locals.
As the investigation continues, the sheriff has urged anyone with information to report it anonymously to encourage greater community support in bringing justice to the victims and their families.
