BCSO makes another arrest in New Year’s Day 2024 killing of Battery Creek freshman
From staff reports
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has charged a fourth individual in connection with the New Year’s Day 2024 murder of 14-year-old Jerrieme Jermaine “L.J.” Washington, then a freshman at Battery Creek High School.
On Saturday, Aug. 27, 2025, investigators served Niger Benjamin Davilia, 24, of Beaufort, with an arrest warrant for accessory before the fact to a felony. Davilia was already in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center on charges related to a December 2024 incident at the time the warrant was served.
The new charge stems from the January 1, 2024, shooting that resulted in the tragic death of 14-year-old L.J. Washington. Shortly before 11 p.m. that night, deputies responded to the report of gunfire on Castle Rock Road in Burton where Washington was discovered inside the home dead from a gunshot wound.
Investigators determined that Washington had been playing video games inside his home when gunfire erupted from the roadway, striking the home and a vehicle parked in the driveway. Two other individuals were inside the home at the time but were not hurt.
Three others will face charges related to Washington’s murder.
- Jeremiah Kieyonte Warren, 18, of St. Helena Island, was charged on May 15, 2025, with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace in connection to Washington’s death. Warren was already incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center for an unrelated murder charge tied to a September 2024 shooting at Magnolia Park Apartments in Burton, which resulted in the death of 17-year-old Arianna Mulligan. He remains in custody.
- On May 10, 2025, Alex Joseph Bush, 20, of Columbia, S.C., was charged with accessory before the fact to a felony for his role in the case.
- Nashaun Jaden Arthur Benjamin, 20, of Savannah, Ga.,, has also been identified as a suspect. He is currently in federal custody on unrelated weapons charges. He will be charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace in connection with Washington’s murder.
According to a BCSO release, the investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible. The BCSO is urging anyone with information to contact Sergeant Petrone at 843-255-3440.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via theP3 Tips app, online at TIPSBFT.com or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238).
