A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena early Sunday left four people dead and at least 20 injured, including four in critical condition, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said its communications center began receiving multiple 911 calls shortly before 1 a.m. from Willie’s Bar and Grill, 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Deputies arrived to find a large crowd and several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Hundreds were at the location when the gunfire erupted, and many victims and witnesses ran to nearby businesses and properties to shelter from the shots, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Several victims were transported by Beaufort County EMS, while others later arrived at area hospitals on their own seeking treatment for injuries sustained at the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Names of the deceased will be released by the coroner after next-of-kin notifications.
Investigators are working active leads and have identified persons of interest. Multiple law enforcement agencies, area fire departments and Beaufort County EMS assisted at the scene. “This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the Sheriff’s Office said in its statement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418. Non-emergency tips can be reported to dispatch at 843-524-2777.
