Beaufort, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Niger Benjamin Davilia, 24, has been charged as an accessory before the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Washington, who was killed in a drive-by shooting. This tragic event took place outside Washington’s home while he was playing video games. Davilia is now the fourth individual charged related to this case. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking public assistance to gather information and address community concerns about youth violence and safety.
Beaufort – Niger Benjamin Davilia, 24, has been charged as an accessory before the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Jermaine Washington. The charge was announced following an arrest warrant served while Davilia was already in custody at the Beaufort County jail. Washington was tragically killed on January 1, 2024, when gunfire erupted outside his home on Castle Rock Road in Burton while he was playing video games inside. Two other individuals were present during the incident but thankfully were not injured.
Authorities have linked Davilia to the murder as part of a broader investigation. He becomes the fourth individual charged in connection with Washington’s death. Previously, on May 15, 2025, Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, 18, was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace. Alex Joseph Bush, 20, was charged shortly before on May 10, 2025, also as an accessory before the fact to a felony. Nashaun Jaden Arthur Benjamin, 20, is awaiting charges that include murder and related offenses; he is already in federal custody on an unrelated weapons charge.
Investigators believe that Washington was not the intended target during what was described as a drive-by shooting. Jerrieme was a freshman at Battery Creek High School and was involved in the school’s band and soccer teams, highlighting his engagement with peers and community activities.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking tips from the public. They are encouraging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County, as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident.
The shocking nature of this case resonates within the community, as it draws attention to ongoing issues related to youth violence and gun-related crimes. The youth demographic, as seen in this case, often faces unique challenges and circumstances which can lead to violence, raising concerns among parents and community leaders alike.
Background Context
Jerrieme Washington’s death has raised serious questions about safety in the community. The murder of a minor, especially in a domestic setting such as his home, has prompted calls for increased protective measures for youth and improved community safety. Washington’s activities at school contributed to his well-regarded status among his peers, making this loss felt across various social circles.
As law enforcement continues to investigate this incident, the community remains on edge. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with leads or further information to contribute to the ongoing investigation, underlining the critical nature of community participation in solving crimes.
FAQ
Who is Niger Benjamin Davilia?
Niger Benjamin Davilia is a 24-year-old man charged as an accessory before the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Jermaine Washington.
What charges have been placed in connection with Jerrieme Washington’s murder?
Three other individuals have been charged, including Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren with murder and related offenses, and Alex Joseph Bush along with Nashaun Jaden Arthur Benjamin, who is awaiting additional charges.
What happened to Jerrieme Washington?
Jerrieme Washington was shot and killed while playing video games inside his home on January 1, 2024, as gunfire erupted from outside.
How can individuals provide tips regarding the case?
Any individual with information about the case is encouraged to come forward, and tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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New Developments in Jerrieme Washington Murder Case
Fourth Person Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old
Student Detained After Bringing Firearm to Beaufort High School
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Beaufort County Shooting Leaves Home Occupants Unharmed
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Makes Fourth Arrest in Connection with 2024 Murder of 14-Year-Old Boy
- ABC News 4: Beaufort Man Charged as Accessory in 2024 Murder of Teen
- Live 5 News: Arrests Made in Beaufort County Murder of 14-Year-Old Boy
- Island Packet: Ongoing Investigations into Beaufort County Murder
- WJCL: Jerrieme Washington Murder Arrests
- Wikipedia: Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Jerrieme Washington murder
- Google Scholar: Youth violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- Google News: Beaufort County murder
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.
