By Mike McCombs
The Island News
City of Beaufort Police investigators believe they know who killed 24-year-old Jaquavious Bakari Washington after a party June 10 at a Boundary Street hotel.
Investigators obtained warrants for Trevaughn Eugene Hipp, 22, who is wanted on charges of Murder, Discharging a Firearm Into a Vehicle and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime.
Law enforcement is actively searching for Hipp. According to the Beaufort Police Department, he is known to frequent the Grays Hill area.
The public is advised not to approach Hipp, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation revealed that an argument at a party Friday night, June 10, resulted in the shooting death of Washington of Hardeeville.
At approximately 11:05 p.m., officers responded to a shooting incident at the Quality Inn At Town Center at 2001 Boundary Street, where a party was being held when an argument ensued between two of the attendees.
According to witnesses, the suspect threatened to shoot the victim several times. The victim got in his vehicle and left the hotel, striking a pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
According to police, the suspect then started shooting at the victim’s car. Several rounds hit the vehicle, and it became stuck on an island in the parking lot. The victim got out of the vehicle and ran, the suspect followed the victim and continued to shoot at him. The victim died of multiple gunshot wounds and the suspect fled on foot.
Officers from multiple jurisdictions responded and immediately secured the area.
The suspect was known to the victim and witnesses provided additional information.
During the investigation, the City of Beaufort Police identified several “persons of interest” and interviewed at least one.
If you encounter Hipp, call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone who may have information about this incident or information on Hipp’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Investigator Andersen at 843-322-7941, or the Anonymous Tip Line at 843-322-7938. Reference case # 23B24199.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
