Johnsonville, South Carolina, September 20, 2025

News Summary

A Conway man, Joseph Waterman Jr., has been arrested following a shooting that claimed the life of 3-year-old Antonio Burgess. The tragic event occurred near Midway Highway in Johnsonville, where Waterman allegedly attacked the vehicle and opened fire, resulting in multiple charges against him. The community is in mourning and calling for justice for the young victim. Along with Waterman, Kenneth Washington Jr. has also been arrested in connection to the incident, as he is suspected of driving Waterman to the shooting site.

Conway Man Arrested Following Shooting That Killed 3-Year-Old Antonio Burgess

Conway, South Carolina – Joseph Waterman Jr., a 34-year-old man from Conway, has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of 3-year-old Antonio Burgess. The horrific incident occurred on September 13 near Midway Highway in Johnsonville, South Carolina.

Waterman faces serious charges, including one count of murder, seven counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities allege that Waterman approached the vehicle occupied by the victims and struck the driver in the head with a firearm before firing shots into the vehicle, where three adults and five children were present.

Antonio Burgess sustained gunfire wounds during this alarming event and was later pronounced dead, as confirmed by the Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken on September 15. Waterman’s arrest follows this devastating loss and has left the community reeling with grief.

Waterman is not the only individual charged in this case. Kenneth Washington Jr., a 36-year-old from Hemingway, was arrested on September 17. Washington faces murder charges as well, as he allegedly drove Waterman to the site of the shooting and subsequently left the scene with him.

Currently, Waterman remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center, where he awaits further legal proceedings. In South Carolina, a murder conviction can lead to severe penalties, ranging from a minimum of 30 years to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The incident has struck a nerve within the community, as Burgess’s mother has expressed a desperate need for justice for her son’s untimely death. The emotional impact of such a crime against an innocent child has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of gun violence in the region.

Details of the Incident

• Date of incident: September 13, 2023
• Location: Near Midway Highway, Johnsonville, South Carolina
• Victim: Antonio Burgess, 3 years old
• Charges against Waterman: One count of murder, seven counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
• Charges against Washington: One count of murder

Legal Context

The legal repercussions for those convicted of murder in South Carolina are severe. A conviction can result in a sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment or the death penalty, which underscores the potential consequences for Waterman and Washington as they face the justice system.

Community Response

The Conway and Johnsonville communities are grappling with the aftermath of this event, as residents mourn the loss of a young child. Local leaders and citizens have called for action against gun violence and have rallied in support of Burgess’s grieving family, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these violent outbursts.

Conclusion

As the case progresses, many are left wondering how such a tragic event could occur and what measures might be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The memory of Antonio Burgess underscores the importance of community vigilance and the quest for justice in the face of senseless violence.

FAQ

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Key Features of the Incident

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Nine Teenagers Charged with Murder in Shooting Case
Nine Teens Arrested in Connection with Florence County Murder
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Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Trey Wright’s Murder
Nine Teens Charged in Tragic Shooting of South Carolina Boy
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting
Nine Teenagers Charged in Murder Plot of Trey Dean Wright
Nine Teens Arrested in Connection with Teenage Murder
Four Teens Charged in Johnsonville Murder Case

Additional Resources

• WLTX: Florence County Shooting Arrest: Child Killed
• Post and Courier: Florence County Shooting – Joseph Waterman
• WFXB: Second Suspect in 3-Year-Old Death Case Turns Himself In
• Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE 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.