LJ’s murder solved? 3 named in death of 14-year-old as he played video game
Police in Beaufort County have named three suspects in the murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme “L.J.” Washington, who was fatally shot on New Year’s Day 2024 while he played video games in his living room.
Columbia resident Alex Joseph Bush, 20, was charged May 10 as an accessory before the fact to the killing.
Five days later, deputies charged St. Helena Island resident Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, 18, with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and aggravated breach of peace. He was already in custody at the Beaufort County jail on charges related to the September 2024 murder of 17-year-old Ari’Anna Mulligan at a Burton apartment complex.
Savannah resident Nashaun Benjamin, 20, would later be charged with the same three offenses, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently in federal custody on unrelated weapons charges.
Police said L.J. was not intended the target in the drive-by shooting on his home on Burton’s Castle Rock Road the night of Jan. 1, 2024.
Friends and family remembered L.J. for his unending kindness, infectious smile and positive attitude on the soccer field. He spent half of his short life as a member of the local soccer organization Club Beaufort de Fútbol.
Anyone with additional information on the case is encouraged to contact lead investigator Sgt. Jennifer Petrone at 843-255-3440. Tips can be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County at 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238), through the organization’s website or via the P3 Tips app.
