By Delayna Earley
The Island News
The first week of the new year was a very difficult one for those in the Beaufort community who’s lives were touched by 14-year-old Jerrieme “L.J.” Jermaine Washington, Jr.
Washington, who went by the nickname L.J., was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting while playing video games in his living room on New Year’s Day in Burton.
The two other people in the home who were not injured.
Full of life and joy
L.J. was, by all accounts, a hard-working and devoted young man who gave his all in all that he did.
A freshman at Battery Creek High School where he was a member of the drum line in the band, he was most known for were his skills on the field with Club Beaufort de Fútbol.
He started playing soccer when he was seven, according to the founder and director of the club, Imer Hernandez.
Hernandez said that L.J. was just as passionate about the game on the field as he was off.
“He would always get angry when I would pull him off the field, just like any player who loves the game does,” Hernandez said of L.J. “But then he would start giving support to his teammates from the side like he was an assistant coach.”
According to Hernandez, L.J. was liked by all his teammates and often would do what he could to help them.
A few years ago, Hernandez said he noticed that L.J. needed some help himself, as he didn’t always have a ride home after the club’s practices, so he stepped in and began giving L.J. rides home.
On occasion, the two would stop at Bruster’s in Beaufort for an ice cream.
Hernandez said he felt that he was a father-figure for the teen.
He and L.J. would often talk about soccer, but they would also talk about the other important aspects of L.J.’s life, his home life, school and his faith.
L.J. was an active member of the youth program at Cross Community Church in Beaufort, which was where his funeral was held on Saturday, Jan. 6.
Saying good-bye
Almost 700 people showed up to pay their respects and say goodbye to L.J. during his funeral on Saturday.
Hernandez said that there were people standing outside of the sanctuary of the church during the service because there was not enough room for them inside.
“We realize that it is standing room only, all throughout the building, and we hope that Michelle (L.J.’s mother) and family are overwhelmed by the support that you have seen here today,” said Taylor Burgess, Lead Pastor of Cross Community Church.
During the funeral, Hernandez, teammates and members of the church, including Student Minister Cole Forrest, spoke about the impact that L.J. made on the world.
“He was the greatest kid I’ve ever known,” Hernandez said during the service. “He was a role model for everyone, and his memories will stay in our hearts forever.”
Teammate Isaac Vega spoke about when he found out about L.J.’s murder.
“The day that I found out what happened, a part of my heart left, and when I think of someone like L.J., I think of a kid who is very strong, sweet and goal-driven,” Vega said. “A kid who strives to be better and better every day.”
Both Vega and Hernandez spoke about L.J.’s dreams to play professional soccer.
The Battery Creek Marching Band played a tribute to L.J. outside of the church following the funeral service.
Burgess concluded the gathering with messages of support to law enforcement investigating L.J.’s murder.
He also addressed those who are responsible for L.J.’s death, encouraging them to turn themselves in and turn to Christ.
Lastly, he addressed the community and pleaded with them to come forward if they know something that would lead to the arrest of L.J.’s murderers, but said that retaliation for L.J. is not the answer.
“L.J. was a young man who was full of life and joy, and we do not honor his legacy by repeating cycles of violence and hate,” said Burgess to mourners at the funeral. “So, if you find yourself so full of anger or rage over what’s happened that you feel propelled to take action that might perpetuate further harm, please speak to someone who can help you.”
What happens now
As of Tuesday, Jan. 9, no suspects have been identified, but investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office believe the shooting was a targeted incident based on the crime scene.
Many in the community have taken to social media to express their outrage about this act of violence that resulted in L.J.’s death, but Beaufort resident Ian Leslie took his anger one step further and addressed Beaufort County Council members during the first County Council meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 8.
“I am incredibly concerned by the gun violence and gun deaths occurring amongst our teenage population,” Leslie said during the public comment section of the meeting. “He is the third Battery Creek student to die from gun violence since August and I believe the fourth in just the past year.”
Leslie tasked council members with taking action to make sure that the schools and local law enforcement have access to the resources that they need to try and prevent future gun violence among the Beaufort County youth.
As of Tuesday evening, a GoFund me page created to help the family with funeral and other expenses as they grieve has raised more than $41,700.
As for the grieving community, Hernandez has a message for them in honor of L.J.
He tasks all parents to try and work a little less and spend more time with their children.
“Spend that extra hour with your kids. Go to the park, play a game, enjoy that time together. You can’t control what will happen in the future, but you can control what you do today,” Hernandez said. “So make the most of it.”
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the BCSD non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777, or if wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1110.
Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
