Jeremy Evans and Ten Additional Unnamed Victims Injured in Little River Mass Shooting; U.S. Navy Sailor Shawon Shamarion Williams Arrested and Charged in Memorial Day Boat Party Violence That Shattered South Carolina Holiday Weekend

The annual Memorial Day celebration in Little River, South Carolina—typically a time of music, community, and reflection—was shattered on the night of May 25, 2025, when a mass shooting left Jeremy Evans and ten additional individuals, whose names have not yet been publicly released, injured in a sudden outburst of gunfire.

What was meant to be a jubilant end to the “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O & Friends Annual Birthday Boat Party” turned into a horrific scene of panic, chaos, and bloodshed after a dispute among attendees escalated into a deadly confrontation on the dock of Watson Avenue, just off the Intracoastal Waterway.

A Joyous Gathering Turns Violent

The event, hosted by Jacklyn Patrice Bellamy, had concluded aboard a private charter boat as part of a yearly Memorial Day bash that had drawn dozens of guests from across the Carolinas. As passengers disembarked around 9:15 p.m., tensions flared. According to witnesses and police reports, what began as a verbal altercation between several individuals quickly descended into violence.

Gunshots rang out over the lapping waters and the hum of late-night laughter. Cell phone footage later posted to social media captured the chaos that erupted within seconds—people screaming, running, diving to the ground or into the water to escape.

According to Horry County Police, at least ten people were directly struck by gunfire. An eleventh individual was injured when a large speaker, likely dislodged during the panic, fell and struck them.

Jeremy Evans Speaks Out

Jeremy Evans, one of the shooting victims, recounted his experience in harrowing detail. “We got shot coming off the boat,” Evans told reporters from his hospital bed. “I was on the pier when I got hit in the leg. I had to take off my shorts and wrap them around the wound just to stop the bleeding.”

Evans emphasized the sheer randomness of the violence. “One minute we were laughing and saying goodbye. The next, we were running for our lives.”

Arrest of Shawon Shamarion Williams

The breakthrough in the investigation came four days later, on Thursday, May 29, when Shawon Shamarion Williams, a 19-year-old U.S. Navy sailor, was arrested in Lake County, Illinois. Williams had been stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, assigned to the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, serving as a Hull Maintenance Technician Seaman.

Williams was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held in the Lake County Jail as a fugitive of justice, pending extradition proceedings to South Carolina. He is expected to face multiple attempted murder charges and charges related to possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Cmdr. Jessica L. McNulty, speaking on behalf of the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, confirmed Williams’ military status and acknowledged that the sailor has now been turned over to civilian authorities.

A Chilling Investigation Unfolds

The Horry County Police Department, in cooperation with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have indicated that additional suspects may be identified, and further arrests are possible in the coming days.

Preliminary findings suggest that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute that flared during or just after the boat party. Officers are actively seeking additional video evidence and testimonies from those who were present that night.

Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill emphasized the seriousness of the incident during a press briefing:

“This was a reckless act of violence that put dozens of lives at risk. We are grateful for the swift arrest and are committed to ensuring justice is served.”

Victims: Names Withheld, Grief Unfolds

At this time, only Jeremy Evans has been publicly identified among the victims. The identities of the other ten individuals remain confidential, either due to the ongoing investigation or privacy considerations. It has been confirmed that their injuries range from moderate to critical, but none are currently believed to be life-threatening.

Family members of several victims have taken to social media, expressing anger and sorrow over the attack. “My cousin came out for a good time and left in an ambulance,” one relative wrote. “This wasn’t just an accident—someone opened fire on a crowd.”

Community Shock and Memorial Plans

Little River, a typically quiet coastal community near the South Carolina–North Carolina border, is still processing the shock. Residents have described the shooting as unprecedented in recent memory, and many are now reconsidering public gathering safety.

A vigil is being planned for this weekend near Watson Avenue. Organizers say the gathering will “honor the victims, stand against violence, and demand justice for those harmed.”

Local pastor Rev. Tamara Jenkins, whose congregation includes members of the affected families, reflected:

“This is not just a story about one bad night—it’s a story about a culture that is failing to protect our young people, our community, and our peace.”

A Broader Conversation: Gun Violence and Public Safety

The Little River shooting is one of several gun-related incidents across the U.S. during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, prompting renewed calls for tighter gun regulations, particularly around large events and private gatherings. National advocacy groups such as Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety have pointed to the event as yet another tragic entry in a growing epidemic.

Gun policy analysts argue that while South Carolina has made some reforms, more comprehensive measures are needed to prevent similar occurrences, especially at public events. Critics have called for stricter background checks, enhanced coordination between local law enforcement and event organizers, and education around conflict de-escalation.

Military Under Scrutiny

The arrest of a U.S. Navy sailor has raised sensitive questions about military enlistment standards, mental health screening, and oversight of personnel off-base. While the military has not released details about Williams’ conduct record or prior incidents, NCIS will likely examine whether any prior warning signs existed.

Defense analyst Col. Reginald Warren (Ret.), speaking on a recent broadcast, noted:

“This should not be interpreted as reflective of the armed forces as a whole. But it absolutely raises questions about how we monitor young servicemembers and ensure they have the support and supervision they need.”

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Williams is scheduled to appear in court in Illinois on Friday, May 31, where the process of extraditing him to South Carolina will begin. Once extradited, he will face formal arraignment in Horry County Circuit Court, where prosecutors are expected to pursue the maximum allowable penalties under South Carolina law.

Horry County Solicitor Mary Helen Montgomery stated her office is “fully committed to pursuing justice for every victim” and promised transparency as the legal proceedings unfold.

Victims and their families are also exploring civil legal options against both the alleged shooter and any third parties that may have contributed to the incident, including potential security failures at the event.

Ongoing Investigation

The Horry County Police Department urges anyone with video footage, photographs, or information about the shooting to come forward. They have established a dedicated tip line and are collaborating with NCIS, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI for forensic support and witness interviews.

If you were present or have relevant details, contact Horry County PD at (843) 915-5350 or submit anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry.

Conclusion

The Little River mass shooting was not just a tragic anomaly; it was a collision of poor conflict resolution, easy access to firearms, and the vulnerabilities inherent in large social gatherings. As Jeremy Evans and ten unnamed victims begin the slow process of recovery, and as Shawon Shamarion Williams faces the weight of justice, the incident stands as a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be—and how quickly celebration can turn into catastrophe.

For the families, the community, and a shaken region, the only hope is that such a tragedy never strikes again.

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