Beaufort County, September 7, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Niger Benjamin Davilia in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Jermaine ‘L.J.’ Washington. Davilia, who was already in custody for unrelated charges, has been charged with accessory before the fact to a felony. This follows the tragic shooting incident that occurred at Washington’s home, where several other suspects have also been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement seeking further community cooperation.
Beaufort County, SC – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a fourth individual in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Jermaine “L.J.” Washington. Niger Benjamin Davilia, a 24-year-old resident of Beaufort, was charged on August 27, 2025, with accessory before the fact to a felony in relation to the ongoing investigation into Washington’s death.
At the time Davilia received the arrest warrant, he was already in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center on unrelated charges stemming from a separate incident in December 2024. His involvement in Washington’s murder ties back to the tragic events of January 1, 2024, when the young boy was fatally shot inside his home.
The incident took place just before 11 p.m. on Castle Rock Road in Burton, where deputies responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Jerrieme Washington had succumbed to gunshot wounds while he was playing video games at home. Investigators revealed that the shots originated from the roadway, striking both the house and a parked vehicle nearby.
During the shooting, two other individuals were present in Washington’s home but were fortunate to escape unharmed. Following the initial investigation, three other suspects have also been charged in connection with the murder. On May 15, 2025, Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, 18, was arrested on charges of murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace. Alex Joseph Bush, 20, was charged on May 10, 2025, with accessory before the fact to a felony, while Nashaun Jaden Arthur Benjamin, 20, faces charges of murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace; he is currently being held in federal custody on unrelated gun charges.
The investigation into Jerrieme Washington’s murder remains active, and law enforcement officials have indicated that more arrests could occur as inquiries continue. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking cooperation from the local community for any additional information that might assist their investigation. Citizens can reach out to Sergeant Petrone at 843-255-3440 for further details or to offer information to the authorities.
For those who prefer to report information anonymously, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips application, accessible online at TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238).
This tragic event has sparked concern in the community regarding youth safety and gun violence, with many advocating for increased preventive measures to protect children and families.
FAQ
Who was Jerrieme Jermaine Washington?
Jerrieme Jermaine Washington, also known as “L.J.,” was a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed in his home on January 1, 2024.
What charges have been filed in connection with Washington’s murder?
Four individuals have been charged: Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren (murder, weapon possession, breach of peace), Alex Joseph Bush (accessory before the fact), Nashaun Jaden Arthur Benjamin (murder, weapon possession, breach of peace, currently in federal custody), and Niger Benjamin Davilia (accessory before the fact).
What is known about the shooting incident?
The shooting incident occurred on January 1, 2024, when Washington was inside his home playing video games. Gunfire erupted from the roadway, striking the residence and a parked vehicle, leading to Washington’s death.
How can the public assist with the investigation?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged individuals with information about the case to contact them directly or to use Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.
Why is this case significant?
This case highlights ongoing concerns about juvenile safety and gun violence in communities, prompting discussions about violence prevention and community support initiatives.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jerrieme Jermaine Washington, 14 years old |
| Date of Incident | January 1, 2024 |
| Location | Castle Rock Road, Burton, Beaufort County |
| Number of Suspects Charged | Four individuals |
| Active Investigation | Yes, with possibility of additional charges |
| Public Assistance | Sergeant Petrone at 843-255-3440; Crime Stoppers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Significant Improvements in SC READY Scores for Beaufort Area
Fourth Suspect Arrested in Teen’s Tragic Shooting Case
Fourth Suspect Charged in Beaufort Drive-By Shooting
Beaufort Man Charged in Connection with Teen’s Murder
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
New Developments in Jerrieme Washington Murder Case
Fourth Person Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old
Tragic Drive-By Shooting Claims Life of 14-Year-Old in Beaufort
Three Suspects Charged in Shooting Death of 14-Year-Old in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Makes Fourth Arrest in Connection with Murder of 14-Year-Old Boy
- Live 5 News: Arrests Made Over Year-Old Beaufort County Murder
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County Murder Charge
- Island Packet: Local Crime News on Beaufort County Murder
- ABC News 4: Beaufort Man Charged as Accessory in 2024 Murder of Teen
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- Google Search: Beaufort County murder of Jerrieme Jermaine Washington
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- 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.
