Beaufort, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Niger Benjamin Davila, a 24-year-old from Beaufort, has been charged as the fourth suspect in the tragic drive-by shooting that left 14-year-old Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. dead. Davila was already in custody when the charges were brought against him. Investigators allege he had prior knowledge of the incident that targeted a residence where L.J. was playing video games. The community mourns the loss of L.J., a bright student involved in soccer and known for his uplifting spirit.
Beaufort – Niger Benjamin Davila, a 24-year-old man from Beaufort, has been charged as the fourth suspect in a tragic drive-by shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day 2024, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. Davila was already in custody at the Beaufort County jail when a warrant was issued charging him as an accessory “before the fact” related to the incident.
Authorities allege that Davila had prior knowledge regarding the gunfire aimed at a residence on Castle Rock Road, where L.J. was situated in the living room playing video games during the shooting. Despite being present in the home with two other individuals at the time, neither of them sustained injuries. Investigators indicated that L.J. was not believed to be the intended target of the attack.
L.J. Washington, a freshman at Battery Creek High School, was known in his community for his vibrant spirit and dedication. He participated as a member of the drumline and had been involved in the local soccer organization, Club Beaufort de Fútbol, for seven years. Community members remember him for his uplifting attitude and strong sense of faith, often referring to him as an unofficial “assistant coach” on the soccer field.
Davila’s criminal record reveals a troubling history, including recent convictions for reckless driving, evading police, and possession of a stolen vehicle. In the summer of 2023, he was sentenced to a year in state prison on related charges. After serving his time, Davila was arrested again in December 2023 during a routine traffic stop, where he faced charges for illegally carrying a firearm as a convicted felon, among other offenses. These new charges remain pending.
The drive-by shooting case, which has drawn significant community attention, first resulted in charges against three suspects in May 2024. Among these individuals, 20-year-old Alex Joseph Bush has been charged with being an accessory before the fact. In addition, 19-year-old Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren and 20-year-old Nashaun Benjamin, both already incarcerated on other charges, were alleged to have fired the shots that ultimately killed L.J. Warren is also facing a murder charge from a separate incident involving the shooting of a 17-year-old girl in September 2024, while Benjamin remains in federal custody on unrelated firearms charges.
As all charges related to L.J.’s murder against the four suspects are still pending, trial dates for the defendants have not yet been scheduled. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon, while law enforcement works to navigate the legal processes surrounding this case.
FAQ Section
Who was Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr.?
Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. was a 14-year-old boy from Beaufort and a freshman at Battery Creek High School. He was actively involved in the local soccer organization and known for his positive attitude and strong faith.
What happened on New Year’s Day 2024?
A drive-by shooting occurred on Castle Rock Road, which resulted in the death of L.J. Washington Jr. while he was playing video games at home. Investigators believe he was not the intended target of the shooting.
Who are the suspects in the drive-by shooting?
Four individuals have been charged in this case, including Niger Benjamin Davila, Alex Joseph Bush, Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, and Nashaun Benjamin. Warren and Benjamin have been charged with murder.
What charges has Davila faced?
Davila has been charged as an accessory to the drive-by shooting. He has a criminal history that includes convictions for reckless driving, evading police, and possessing a stolen vehicle. He was sentenced to a year in prison prior to these new charges.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
All charges related to the drive-by shooting are still pending, and trial dates for all suspects have not yet been set.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | New Year’s Day 2024 |
| Victim | Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington Jr. (14 years old) |
| Location | Castle Rock Road, Beaufort |
| Suspects Charged | Niger Benjamin Davila, Alex Joseph Bush, Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, Nashaun Benjamin |
| Community Impact | Community remembers L.J. for his positivity and involvement in soccer |
| Ongoing Legal Proceedings | All charges are pending, with no trial dates scheduled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Man Charged in Connection with Teen’s Murder
New Developments in Jerrieme Washington Murder Case
Investigations Underway After Two Shooting Incidents in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Shooting Leaves Home Occupants Unharmed
Targeted Shooting Incident in Seabrook
Targeted Shooting in Beaufort County Home with Children
Fort Fremont Digital History Project Launches Simulation Plans
Tragic Incident Claims Life of 14-Year-Old on St. Helena Island
Beaufort County Shooting Leaves Man Critically Injured
Beaufort County Community Split Over Pine Island Development Proposal
Additional Resources
- MSN News: 4th Arrest Made in Beaufort County Drive-By Shooting
- WTOC: Beaufort Man Pleads Guilty in Drive-By Shooting
- Island Packet: Drive-By Shooting Incident Report
- Live 5 News: Arrests Made in Beaufort County Murder Case
- WJCL: Jasper County Murder Case Update
- Wikipedia: Drive-by Shooting
- Google Search: Beaufort Crime News
- Google Scholar: Drive-By Shooting Studies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Beaufort Murder 2024
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.
