June 25, 2025

Arrest Made in Sumter Murder and Kidnapping Case

News Summary

Jonas Jerry Washington Jr. has been arrested for the murder of Shophia Van Dam and the kidnapping of her son, Matteo. Washington, serving time in Georgia for unrelated charges, faces severe penalties if convicted. The case marks the two-year anniversary of the mother and child’s disappearance, with investigators believing Shophia was murdered shortly before they went missing. Authorities encourage anyone with information to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Sumter, SC – Jonas Jerry Washington Jr., 26, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Shophia Van Dam, 20, and the kidnapping of her 2-year-old son, Matteo Van Dam. This development comes on the two-year anniversary of the disappearance of Shophia and Matteo, who went missing on June 24, 2023. Washington was arrested in Georgia, where he was already serving a 10-year prison sentence for unrelated charges before being extradited to Sumter County.

During his initial court appearance on June 24, 2025, Washington opted not to enter a plea. He faces serious charges including murder and kidnapping, and if convicted, could receive a life sentence for the murder and up to 30 years for the kidnapping of Matteo. Authorities have stated that while there is no evidence of Matteo’s death, they have charged Washington with kidnapping due to the lack of information regarding the child’s fate.

Investigators believe Shophia Van Dam was murdered on or about June 22, 2023. This conclusion is based on the timeline in which her digital phone records ceased that day. Law enforcement suspects that significant physical harm inflicted by Washington led to Van Dam’s fatal loss of blood. Despite extensive search efforts, authorities have yet to recover her body or any remains of either Shophia or Matteo.

The investigation into their disappearance has been a collective effort by multiple agencies, including the Sumter Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), operating under a coordinated approach since September 2023.

Shophia and Matteo were reported missing after family members lost contact with them. Concerned relatives prompted the police to check their residence on Wilson Street, where Shophia’s vehicle was found, but neither she nor her son were located. The Van Dam family has publicly shared their traumatic experience, expressing the deep pain they have endured and their longing for justice.

Authorities are actively encouraging anyone who may have additional information related to the case to step forward and contact the Sumter Police Department. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing investigation.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Van Dam family holds onto hope for answers and seeks justice for Shophia and Matteo. Their case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in resolving missing persons cases and ensuring accountability for those responsible for such tragedies.