Crime

Navy Sailor Arrested in Illinois Linked to South Carolina Mass Shooting

In a shocking development, a U.S. Navy sailor was arrested in Illinois on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in connection with a mass shooting that rocked the coastal town of Little River, South Carolina, over the Memorial Day weekend. The incident, which left at least 11 people injured, has raised questions about gun violence, public safety, and the involvement of a military member in such a tragic event. Authorities are working to piece together the details of the shooting, which stemmed from an altercation during a private gathering on a charter boat. Here’s what we know so far about this unfolding story.

The Shooting in Little River

The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, 2025, around 9:30 p.m. in Little River, a small coastal community about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. According to the Horry County Police Department, the shooting took place near the Intracoastal Waterway, in the area of the Dolphin Cruise parking lot, where a private Memorial Day weekend gathering was being held on a docked charter boat, identified as the Hurricane II. What began as a festive event with approximately 120 people on board quickly turned chaotic when an altercation escalated into gunfire.

Horry County Police reported that at least 11 people were injured, with victims being transported to local hospitals by Horry County Fire Rescue. Some additional victims reportedly arrived at hospitals in private vehicles, suggesting the total number of those affected could be higher. While no fatalities were reported, several victims were listed in critical but stable condition. The police have described the shooting as an isolated incident, emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, the investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the event and identify all those involved.

One victim, Jeremy Evans, shared his harrowing experience with CBS News. “We got shot coming off the boat,” Evans said, recalling the moment he was struck in the leg. “We were on the pier.” He described wrapping his shorts around his wound to stop the bleeding, highlighting the chaos and panic that unfolded. Evans, who has been documenting his recovery on social media, expressed a desire for justice following the arrest of the suspect.

The Arrest in Illinois

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) arrested Shawon Shamarion Williams, a U.S. Navy sailor, in Illinois. Williams was booked into the Lake County Jail, located north of Chicago, as the primary suspect in the Little River shooting. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case, which had initially left authorities searching for answers with no suspects identified in the days immediately following the incident.

Details about Williams’ connection to the shooting and his motives remain limited, as the investigation is ongoing. The Horry County Police Department, in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and NCIS, is working to establish a clear timeline of events and determine what led to the violent outburst. The involvement of a Navy sailor has added a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about how a member of the military became linked to such a serious crime.

Context of Gun Violence in South Carolina

The Little River shooting is part of a troubling pattern of gun violence in South Carolina and across the United States. Just weeks earlier, on April 27, 2025, another mass shooting in nearby Myrtle Beach left one person dead and 11 others injured during a street brawl on North Ocean Boulevard. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. saw over 488 mass shootings in 2024 alone, with a mass shooting defined as an incident in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter. These incidents have fueled ongoing debates about gun control, public safety, and the societal factors contributing to such violence.

The Memorial Day weekend shooting in Little River has struck a chord in the community, known for its quiet marinas and tourist-friendly atmosphere. The incident occurred in a residential area near the Intracoastal Waterway, home to fishing expeditions, dolphin cruises, and other recreational activities. The violence disrupted the sense of safety in this small town of about 11,000 residents, prompting local authorities to reassure the public that the shooting was an isolated event.

Investigation and Community Response

The Horry County Police Department has been working diligently to gather evidence and interview witnesses to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. Initial reports suggest the gunfire erupted after a dispute on the charter boat, though it remains unclear whether the shooting occurred on the vessel itself or on the dock. Detectives are also investigating the ownership and operation of the Hurricane II, with early indications pointing to the Little River Fishing Fleet as the coordinating company.

In a separate but related incident, a North Myrtle Beach police officer responding to the shooting accidentally discharged his firearm, injuring himself in the leg. The officer, who was treated at a local hospital and is in stable condition, is under investigation by SLED. This added an additional layer of complexity to the response efforts, as authorities worked to manage both the mass shooting and the officer’s injury.

Community members and witnesses have expressed shock and dismay over the incident. Harold Wiegel, a partner at nearby Myrtle Beach Adventures, noted that his son, who lives near the marina, heard the gunfire. “The boat was docked at the time of the incident,” Wiegel told NBC News, underscoring the suddenness of the violence. Social media posts from the night of the shooting showed a heavy police presence in the Dolphin Cruise parking lot, with videos capturing the chaotic aftermath.

Broader Implications

The arrest of a Navy sailor in connection with the shooting has sparked discussions about the intersection of military service and gun violence. While the Navy has not released specific details about Williams’ role or status within the military, the involvement of a service member in a mass shooting is likely to prompt scrutiny of military protocols, mental health support for personnel, and the broader issue of firearm access.

This incident also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing mass shootings, particularly in identifying suspects and preventing future violence. The collaboration between local police, SLED, and NCIS underscores the complexity of investigations involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. As the case progresses, authorities are expected to release more information about Williams’ background, potential motives, and the circumstances that led to his alleged involvement.

Moving Forward

As Little River recovers from this tragic event, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while seeking answers about what led to the shooting. The arrest of Shawon Shamarion Williams is a critical step toward justice, but many questions remain unanswered. The community is grappling with the impact of gun violence in a place known for its peaceful coastal charm, and residents are calling for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For now, the investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The Horry County Police Department has emphasized its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for those responsible. As the nation reflects on yet another mass shooting, the Little River incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenge of addressing gun violence in America.

For more details on the incident, you can refer to the following sources: