21-year-old faces murder charge after fatal shooting at Beaufort-area trailer park
A 21-year-old man from St. Helena Island was arrested on a slew of charges in connection with a deadly September shooting at a Burton trailer park.
Tyre Joe Atkins was charged Friday afternoon with murder, attempted murder, aggravated breach of peace and two related firearms offenses.
Investigators have accused Atkins in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old St. Helena man Ty Haskell Jenkins at the Independence Mobile Home Park the afternoon of Sept. 10. Atkins was found with multiple gunshot wounds.
Deputies quickly identified Atkins as the suspect. The following morning, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help in locating the man, calling him “armed and dangerous.” His Jeep was found shortly after, but the suspect remained at large.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the case, according to the Friday afternoon alert from BCSO.
Atkins was in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center as of 4 p.m. Friday, according to inmate records.
Because Atkins’ murder charge carries the possibility of a life sentence, South Carolina law requires his bond to be set by a circuit court judge. Circuit court resumes in Beaufort County on Jan. 26.
Beaufort County court records show Atkins had previous convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, aggravated breach of peace, check fraud and unlawful carrying of a pistol. He pleaded guilty to all four charges in late 2023. Because of the severity of his domestic violence conviction, Atkins was not allowed to own firearms or ammunition under South Carolina law. His charges from Friday’s arrest included the violation of that statute, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the lead investigator, Master Sgt. Duncan, at 843-255-3418. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County website, the P3 Tips app or by calling 844-847-7238 (844-TIPS-BFT).
