Johnsonville, SC, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A domestic dispute escalated into tragedy when a 3-year-old boy, Antonio Burgess II, was fatally shot during an incident in Johnsonville. On September 13, 2025, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire along Midway Highway. The child was struck by a bullet following a confrontation involving individuals in a vehicle. Although 911 was called, the child succumbed to his injuries shortly after reaching the hospital. The suspect remains at large, raising concerns about domestic violence’s impact on innocent lives.
Johnsonville, SC – A tragic shooting incident has left a 3-year-old boy dead in Johnsonville. The child, identified as Antonio Burgess II from nearby Hemingway, was fatally wounded during a domestic dispute that escalated into violence on September 13, 2025. Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutken confirmed the boy’s identity and announced that an autopsy is scheduled for the week of September 15.
The shooting occurred on Midway Highway around 9:30 p.m., when deputies from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire. Sheriff TJ Joye indicated that an argument within a vehicle, involving five individuals, had been escalating throughout the day. This incident took a dangerous turn when the boyfriend of the child’s mother allegedly assaulted her from outside the car, punching her in the face.
As tensions rose, the suspect reportedly struck the driver with a firearm. The blow caused the weapon to discharge accidentally, tragically hitting Antonio, who was sitting in the back seat. Following the shooting, the driver rushed the injured child to the Johnsonville Rescue Squad Station. Unfortunately, despite the attempts of emergency responders, Antonio was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival.
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Authorities are actively searching for him and are considering potential murder charges. The child’s mother is reportedly heartbroken and is advocating for justice for her son, expressing deep grief over the loss. Law enforcement has identified a person of interest in the case and continues to investigate, with the family cooperating fully during the process.
In light of this tragic shooting, Sheriff Joye has characterized the incident as senseless and emphasized the department’s commitment to bringing the responsible party to justice. Residents in Johnsonville are being urged to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office if they have any information that could assist in the investigation.
This tragic event underscores ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and its impact on innocent lives. As authorities work to resolve the case, community members remain in shock over the loss of such a young life.
Key Information
- Victim: Antonio Burgess II, 3 years old
- Incident Date: September 13, 2025
- Location: Midway Highway, Johnsonville, SC
- Coroner: Keith von Lutken
- Law Enforcement: Florence County Sheriff’s Office
- Status: Suspect at large, investigation ongoing
Background Context
Domestic violence remains a significant issue in many communities, leading to devastating outcomes, especially for vulnerable family members such as children. The effects of such incidents ripple through families and communities, raising urgent calls for prevention and support services.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shooting during a domestic dispute |
| Victim Age | 3 years old |
| Date of Incident | September 13, 2025 |
| Location | Midway Highway, Johnsonville, SC |
| Coroner’s Confirmation | Keith von Lutken |
| Suspect Status | At large, investigation ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Florence Community Mourns Three Cherished Members
Florence Community Mourns the Passing of a Devoted Leader
Nine Teenagers Charged with Murder in Shooting Case
Teenagers Arrested in Florence, South Carolina Murder Case
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: 3-Year-Old Killed in Pee Dee Shooting
- WPDE: Investigation Underway into Fatal Shooting of 3-Year-Old
- Fox 13 News: 9 Teens Charged in Deadly Shooting
- WBTW: New Details into Killing of Johnsonville Teen
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
