June 23, 2025

Man Charged with Murder and Kidnapping of Missing Mother and Son

News Summary

A 26-year-old man, Jonas Jerry Washington, has been arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping linked to the disappearance of Sophia Van Dam and her son, Matteo. Washington was apprehended in Georgia and is associated with a shooting incident prior to their disappearance. Sophia and Matteo were last seen in June, leading to an extensive search and investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Family members are anxiously awaiting news on their well-being, as the community bands together in support and vigilance.

Sumter, South Carolina – A 26-year-old man, Jonas Jerry Washington, has been charged with murder and kidnapping in connection with the case of missing mother Sophia Van Dam and her 2-year-old son, Matteo. Washington, who was apprehended earlier this week in Georgia, is currently being held at a county detention center. Authorities say his charges are linked to a shooting incident that occurred around 10 p.m. near Scarborough Road, where a fight broke out, prompting police investigations.

Sophia Van Dam, 20, and her son Matteo were reported missing by family members in June 2023. They were last seen on June 24, 2023, when Sophia was reportedly driving home to Sumter after visiting family in Beaufort County. Despite a search leading to the recovery of Sophia’s car, neither she nor her son were found, leading to heightened concern and an extensive investigation.

Prior to their disappearance, Washington had been living with Sophia and Matteo in Sumter. His connection to the family is now under intense scrutiny, as law enforcement agencies—including the Sumter Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI—work collaboratively on the case.

In the days following the report of their disappearance, neighbors noted the police conducting extensive searches at the Van Dam home, collecting numerous bags of evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. However, despite Washington’s arrest and the serious charges against him, Matteo has not yet been located. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the Sumter Police at 803-436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

The case has garnered significant attention and concern from the local community and beyond, as family members await news on the well-being of Sophia and Matteo. The collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness of the situation and their commitment to uncovering the truth behind the pair’s disappearance.

As the investigation unfolds, details surrounding the events leading up to Washington’s arrest remain unclear. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the timeline of events, including the shooting incident that may have played a critical role in the case. Detectives are particularly focused on gathering information that could lead them to Matteo.

The community has come together, expressing their fears and support for the lost family. Vigilant eyes are on the investigation, with many individuals hopeful for a positive resolution. Authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to ensure that any leads are followed up promptly and thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in providing information that could assist in the search.

This tragic incident highlights the crucial need for community awareness and timely reporting of suspicious activities. As law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the charges against Washington, they urge the public to remain vigilant and engaged, sharing any insights that may assist in resolving this harrowing case.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.