News Summary
The senseless drive-by shooting of 14-year-old Jerrieme ‘L.J.’ Washington Jr. has led to two arrests in Beaufort. Investigations continue as the community mourns the loss of a promising young life. With impactful charges against the suspects, the community seeks justice for L.J. Washington as support grows for his grieving family.
Beaufort, SC – The tragic drive-by shooting death of 14-year-old Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. has led to significant developments in the ongoing investigation, with authorities arresting two suspects in connection with the incident that occurred on New Year’s Day 2024. L.J. was shot while playing video games at his home on Castle Rock Road, a senseless act of violence that not only ended his young life but has left a profound impact on his family and community.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has formally charged Jeremiah Warren, 18, with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace. Warren was already in custody for a separate murder case when he was additionally charged in this incident. Alex Bush, 20, has also been charged as an accessory before the fact to a felony related to Washington’s murder. Furthermore, a third suspect, Nashaun Benjamin, 20, faces similar charges of murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace. Benjamin is currently in federal custody.
The shooting took place injuriously as the bullets were fired from the road into L.J.’s home, striking him fatally while he sat inside. Fortunately, other individuals present in the house at the time remained unharmed. The investigation into this tragic event continues as authorities pursue further evidence and seek additional information from the public.
This incident has resonated deeply within the community, as L.J. was known for his vibrant personality and aspirations. A passionate soccer fan, he dreamed of playing for the LA Galaxy and was an active member of his school’s drumline, in addition to participating in his church’s youth group. At his funeral, more than 700 people attended to pay their respects, a clear indication of the profound impact he had on those around him.
L.J.’s father, Jerrieme Washington, has expressed that while the arrests offer a modicum of comfort, they cannot bring back his son. As he grapples with his grief, he reflects on L.J.’s life—filled with happiness and joy, bringing light to everyone he encountered. The community is mourning the loss of such a promising young individual and rallying to support L.J.’s family during this devastating time.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement is urging members of the public who may have information related to the case to come forward. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic shooting and ensure that justice is served for L.J. Washington and his family.
The drive-by shooting of Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. highlights a heartbreaking reality within the community, where children and teenagers should feel safe in their own homes. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the investigation and providing support to those affected by this tragedy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Arrests made over year-old Beaufort County murder of 14-year-old boy
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- WJCL: Teen shot in Beaufort County, second shooting under investigation
- Google Search: Beaufort County shooting
- WSAV: Beaufort man pleads guilty to 2021 shooting that killed 5-year-old
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Local crime news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WCTI: District attorney provides details on fatal officer involved shooting in Beaufort County
- Google News: Beaufort County
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
