Beaufort Police investigators worked through the night collecting evidence, interviewing
witnesses and following up on leads after 28 year old Travis Holmes was fatally shot on the
evening of July 26 at the Subway restaurant at 330 Robert Smalls Parkway. The gunman had
been in the restaurant with a woman when Holmes came in. The suspect and the woman left
and then the suspect returned and immediately targeted Holmes. Witnesses reported that the
suspect fled in a dark colored four door vehicle possibly a Ford. The officers were assisted at
the scene by members of SLED’s crime scene unit and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Deputies who
helped secure the area and identify potential witnesses. Although there are theories as to what
motivated the crime none has been verified at this time. Since the investigation is active many
details can’t be released as they might jeopardize it.
This was the third in an unusual string of violent incidents that have taken place this month
in Beaufort. A 17 year old male and juvenile female were charged in connection with a July
19 incident where they fired shots at several victims playing basketball on Greene Street. On
July 25 a 22 year old man was wounded when a suspect fired a gun during a fight at Spanish
Trace Apartments. One suspect, Christopher Holmes (no known relation to Travis Holmes) is
in custody in that case and warrants were obtained charging 28 year old Jerrod Taylor with
attempted murder. Taylor has not been located yet. These incidents were the result of petty
disputes that somehow escalated to violence. There is no known connection between the
crimes at this time.
Information from the public was instrumental in the arrests that have been made so far
and the tips continue to come in. The Beaufort Police Department is committed to arresting
these criminals and keeping our city safe. This lawless conduct will not be tolerated and
anyone who is discovered to have assisted or hidden these criminals will be charged along with
them. There is no pattern or method to these crimes that the public can be alerted to but as
always they are encouraged to contact the police (524-2777 or 911 for emergencies) if they
see something suspicious. The Beaufort Police Department cooperates with other area and
state law enforcement agencies on cases that may be related and values the close working
relationship we enjoy with them. Together the department and the community will prevail over
those who attempt to disrupt the quality of life we enjoy in Beaufort.
