On a tragic night that sent shockwaves through the community of Saint Helena Island, South Carolina, Chiraad Evelio “Roddi” Smalls, a 33-year-old male, was killed in a mass shooting. The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, at Willie's Bar and Grill, which was crowded with hundreds of people for a high school alumni event. In the midst of the gathering, gunfire erupted, leaving a scene of chaos and devastation.
Smalls was one of four people who tragically lost their lives that night. At least 20 other individuals sustained injuries during the violent outbreak.
Originally from the Bronx, New York, Smalls was a resident of the Beaufort area and worked as a forklift operator. Remembered as the 'life of the party' by his sister, Tawanna Smalls, he was described as a strong and charismatic man who deeply loved his two sons, Ayden and Carter Smalls. His girlfriend, Elisha King, fondly remembered him in a letter read at his service, stating, 'You made me laugh when I didn't want to smile. You were stubborn, you were real … you were my peace.' Smalls and his nephew, Ka'Shawn RaShad “KK” Smalls-Glaze, who was also killed in the shooting, were laid to rest following a joint funeral service where they were remembered as joy-bringers and loving fathers.
In the wake of the shooting, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of 27-year-old Anferny Freeman, who was charged with four counts of murder in connection with the mass shooting. Authorities reported that the shooting stemmed from an unfriendly encounter between Freeman and one of the victims, which escalated to both individuals firing weapons. Investigators believe a third person was also shooting and have indicated that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Freeman, who was wounded in the exchange and taken to the hospital, was already in jail on a separate charge of possessing a machine gun when the murder charges were served.
