In the quiet coastal town of Little River, South Carolina, a festive Memorial Day weekend gathering turned tragic when gunfire erupted, leaving a community shaken and at least 11 people injured. The chaos unfolded on the evening of May 25, 2025, as passengers disembarked from a private charter boat docked along the Intracoastal Waterway. What was meant to be a joyous celebration, the “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O & Friends Annual Birthday Boat Party,” descended into panic as an argument escalated into a mass shooting, with bullets striking 10 victims and one other person injured by a falling speaker. Among the wounded was Jeremy Evans, a 25-year-old who vividly recounted the terror of the moment. “We got shot coming off the boat. I was on the pier when I got hit in the leg,” he said, describing how he tore off his shorts to fashion a makeshift tourniquet for his wound. “Ten of us got sprayed on that deck.” The incident, which occurred around 9:15 p.m., sent shockwaves through the small fishing village, known for its serene marinas and vibrant charter cruises.
Authorities have since arrested 19-year-old Shawon Shamarion Williams, a U.S. Navy sailor, in connection with the shooting. Williams, a Hull Maintenance Technician Seaman stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, was taken into custody on May 29 in Lake County, Illinois, by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Booked into the Lake County Jail as a fugitive of justice, he faces imminent extradition to South Carolina, where he is expected to be charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Cmdr. Jessica L. McNulty, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, confirmed Williams’ assignment to the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command and stated that custody has been transferred to local law enforcement. Williams is scheduled to appear in an Illinois court on May 30 to begin the extradition process, a procedural step that will bring him back to Horry County to face justice.
The Horry County Police Department, leading the investigation, has described the shooting as an isolated incident stemming from a personal dispute among attendees of the private event. The charter boat, identified as the Hurricane II, carried approximately 124 passengers and four crew members for a three-hour cruise that ended just before the violence erupted. Police reports indicate that the altercation began as passengers disembarked near Watson Avenue, quickly escalating into gunfire. Cellphone footage captured the harrowing scene, showing people fleeing in all directions as shots rang out. Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt noted that most victims sustained injuries to their lower bodies, and all are expected to survive, though three remained hospitalized as of May 28. The investigation has been complicated by the fact that many attendees were from out of town, making it challenging for detectives to track down witnesses and gather statements.
Jeremy Evans, one of the victims, expressed frustration with the initial pace of the investigation but found relief in Williams’ arrest. “It’s enlightening news to hear that somebody has been taken into custody,” he said after being released from the hospital. “Hopefully, we continue to get the justice we deserve.” Evans, who was shot in the leg, shared a video of his recovery, calling for accountability. His father, Randy Evans, told local media that his son, also injured in the ankle and toe, used his bathing suit to assist others with more severe wounds, a testament to the resilience shown amid the chaos. The police have not ruled out additional arrests, with Chief Leonhardt indicating that other individuals may face charges as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or videos to contact the department’s crime tip line at 843-915-8477 or email crimetips@horrycountysc.gov.
The shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence and the safety of large public gatherings, particularly during holiday weekends when communities like Little River swell with visitors. The incident occurred in a town celebrated for its deep-sea fishing charters and dolphin cruises, a stark contrast to the violence that disrupted the holiday spirit. Adding to the complexity, a North Myrtle Beach police officer accidentally shot himself in the leg while responding to the incident at a nearby marina, though he remains in stable condition. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on healing and justice. For residents and visitors alike, the hope is that this tragedy will prompt renewed efforts to address gun violence and ensure safety at public events, preserving the charm and security of this coastal haven.
