Shawon Shamarion Williams Arrested After Little River Mass Shooting That Injured 11 During “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O” Memorial Day Celebration

Little River, SC — May 30, 2025

The Memorial Day weekend of 2025 in Little River, South Carolina, was meant to be a time of celebration, sunshine, and community bonding. Instead, it was torn apart by gunfire that injured 11 people aboard a boat party that turned into a scene of terror. The incident, which occurred on the night of May 25, has since spiraled into a high-profile criminal investigation spanning multiple states and involving numerous law enforcement agencies. The man at the center of it all: 19-year-old Shawon Shamarion Williams, now under arrest in Lake County, Illinois.

A Festive Evening Turns Violent

The “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O & Friends” annual boat party had become a highly anticipated local tradition, drawing a crowd of over 120 people aboard a private charter vessel. What was marketed as a music-and-dance celebration to honor the host’s birthday drew guests from across South Carolina and neighboring states.

On the evening of Saturday, May 25, the boat departed around 4 p.m. from a dock in Little River and cruised the Intracoastal Waterway. Spirits were high, music filled the air, and drinks flowed freely. But as the sun began to set, tensions reportedly started to simmer among a group of younger guests.

The Shooting

According to witnesses and investigators from the Horry County Police Department, a confrontation broke out around 9 p.m., just as the boat was returning to its dock near Watson Avenue. Eyewitness reports and preliminary surveillance footage confirm that a physical altercation escalated rapidly.

Shortly afterward, a suspect identified as Shawon Shamarion Williams allegedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting into the crowd. Ten people were hit by gunfire. Another person was injured in the stampede that followed as passengers scrambled for cover.

Screams pierced the night as the chaos unfolded on the narrow deck. Videos later posted to social media show the frenzied aftermath: guests ducking for cover, others tending to the wounded, and some attempting to leap from the boat onto the dock in panic.

Emergency Response

Local emergency services were inundated with calls from partygoers and nearby residents. Multiple ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement units responded within minutes. Victims were triaged on the spot and transported to local hospitals, including McLeod Seacoast Hospital and Grand Strand Medical Center.

Of the 11 injured, 3 remained hospitalized in serious but stable condition as of May 28. The others were treated and released. The victims, whose names have not all been publicly released due to privacy concerns, ranged in age from 18 to 33. Most are believed to be local residents or guests from the greater Myrtle Beach and Horry County area.

Suspect: Shawon Shamarion Williams

In a stunning development three days after the shooting, police confirmed that the suspected gunman—Shawon Shamarion Williams—had been apprehended hundreds of miles away in Lake County, Illinois. Working with federal partners and Illinois law enforcement, South Carolina officials tracked Williams through digital leads and eyewitness accounts.

Williams, a 19-year-old with previous interactions with the legal system, had reportedly left the state within 24 hours of the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he was assisted in his escape or acted alone. He is now awaiting extradition back to South Carolina, where he faces multiple counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and potentially more as the investigation unfolds.

Mother Allegedly Hosted the Event

Adding to the complexity of the case is the revelation that Williams’ mother may have played a role in organizing or sponsoring the party. While her name has not been released, authorities confirmed she was involved in the logistics of the charter and promotion of the “Rock Tha Boat Jackie-O” event. It remains unclear whether she had any knowledge of the weapon her son allegedly carried aboard the vessel.

Ongoing Investigation and Potential Additional Arrests

Horry County Police have not ruled out further arrests. In a press conference on May 29, Police Chief Joseph Hill urged witnesses to come forward, especially those with cellphone video, photos, or direct knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting. “We know there are people who saw what happened. We need you to talk to us so that justice can be served—for the victims, and for the community,” Hill stated.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now assisting in analyzing forensic evidence, including bullet casings recovered from the boat, ballistic trajectories, and fingerprints. The boat itself has been impounded as evidence.

Community Reaction

The Little River community has been left rattled. Local leaders, clergy, and residents gathered the day after the shooting for a candlelight vigil at the dock. Among the speakers was Pastor Darrell Ford, who emphasized the need to address youth violence and gun access. “We must do more than mourn,” he said. “We must act, so that celebrations don’t end in tragedy.”

Social media has been ablaze with debate, mourning, and outrage. Hashtags like #JusticeForBoatVictims and #LittleRiverStrong have trended regionally. Many are calling for stricter security protocols at private parties and increased oversight of youth gatherings involving alcohol and boats.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights growing concerns around youth access to firearms, inadequate conflict de-escalation at public and private events, and a lack of preparedness for emergencies on water-bound venues. It also underscores the blurred lines of responsibility when underage attendees are invited to unsupervised events.

Legal analysts suggest that civil litigation may follow, particularly if it is determined that the charter boat company or event organizers failed to ensure a safe environment. Insurance carriers for the boat operator are also likely conducting internal reviews.

Awaiting Justice

As of now, Williams is being held without bail in Illinois, with extradition proceedings expected to begin within the next week. He will likely be arraigned in South Carolina shortly after his return. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek maximum penalties, including extended prison time.

For the 11 victims of this senseless act of violence and their families, the road to healing is just beginning. While their physical wounds may eventually fade, the trauma of that night will endure far longer.

The community of Little River, once known mainly for its quiet beauty and scenic waterways, is now grappling with the reality that even places of peace are not immune to the reach of violence. The hope remains that from tragedy, change may emerge—and that justice for the victims will be swift and unequivocal.