Fifth suspect arrested in Hilton Head beach shooting. Here are the charges
A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with an Independence Day shooting that saw eight people shot on Hilton Head.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday morning deputies arrested Jacob Malik Johnson, 22, of Beaufort, on Wednesday morning on a warrant charging him with breach of peace, aggravated in nature.
The announcement came as hundreds of residents of Hilton Head were gathered for a special town meeting to discuss the shooting.
Johnson’s arrest follows the arrests of four other individuals in connection with the incident.
Three of those suspects are facing charges of attempted murder: Jayden Hawes, 18, Marcello Royal, 17, and Quazeir Davis, 17.
Christopher Capers II, 17, has been charged of accessory after the fact.
Those four suspects are from St. Helena Island.
Shortly after 8:20 p.m. on July 4, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of gunshots in the area of Coligny Beach.
Eight people suffered what appeared to be non-fatal gunshot wounds. The victims received medical treatment at area hospitals.
The investigation determined the shooting occurred after a fight broke out between two groups on the public beach. During the altercation, gunfire was exchanged before those involved fled the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators have also recovered multiple firearms believed to be connected to the incident.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the investigator Sgt. Aaron at 843-255-3436. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County using the P3 Tips app, by visiting TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT.
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 10:39 AM.
