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What began as a joyful Saturday night celebration ended in heartbreak when gunfire erupted outside Willie’s Bar and Grill, located at 7 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., St Helena Island, SC 29920, just before 1 a.m. Sunday. According to WRDW, four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured.
Owner Willie Turral said the bar was hosting Battery Creek High School’s alumni weekend, an event meant to bring friends and neighbors together. “I heard the shots, and it was scary from the inside. You could tell by the rapid succession—it wasn’t a standard weapon,” Turral said. “You saw people giving CPR, people crying, helping each other. This community didn’t do this. A person did this.”
Witnesses say the bar was crowded with hundreds of patrons enjoying live music and conversation before chaos erupted. Some victims and bystanders scrambled to nearby businesses and homes for safety as shots continued outside.
Regular customer Jindia Blount described Willie’s as one of the most welcoming places in town. “I would have never expected anything like that to take place here. The vibe is totally opposite—it’s usually laid back,” she said. Blount noted that Turral’s impact goes beyond his restaurant, calling him “someone who truly cares and gives back to this community.”
Authorities have not released the names of the victims. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that investigators are interviewing witnesses and identifying persons of interest.
Turral, visibly emotional, expressed his grief and solidarity with those affected. “Nothing you can do to solve somebody’s kid not coming home—that’s rough. But we’ll be here with you. That’s all we can promise.”
Residents have started organizing a vigil outside the bar, leaving candles, flowers, and messages of love. Many say it’s a small step toward healing for a town shaken to its core.
When tragedy strikes at a place meant for gathering and laughter, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Families left grieving after shootings at restaurants often ask what can be done beyond the criminal investigation. To help answer those questions, Attorney James Moore, an experienced pool drowning lawyer known for handling premises liability cases, shared the legal options open to victims and their families following the deadly shooting outside a South Carolina bar and grill.
Editor Darla Medina: For families who’ve lost loved ones or suffered injuries in an incident like this, what can they do legally?
Attorney James Moore: Civil claims can be explored if there’s evidence of negligence. That could mean the property owner didn’t maintain adequate security, or if there were prior threats that weren’t addressed. Each case depends on the facts, but victims have the right to ask whether this tragedy was preventable.
Medina: Would those claims be separate from the criminal charges that might come later?
Moore: Yes. Criminal cases focus on punishing the person responsible for the shootings. Civil cases, however, aim to compensate the victims for losses — medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. Families don’t need to wait for the criminal process to finish before seeking legal advice.
Medina: What’s the next step for someone considering action?
Moore: Documentation matters most. Collect witness statements, medical records, and any photos or videos. Then meet with a lawyer experienced in premises liability. The sooner families understand their rights, the better their chances of getting justice.
No family should have to face tragedy alone. If you or a loved one were injured or lost someone in a bar or restaurant shooting, legal help is available. Our team stands ready to review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you start the path toward healing and accountability.
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