Florence County, SC, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A three-year-old boy, Antonio Burgess, was tragically killed in a shooting incident involving his mother’s boyfriend in Florence County, SC. The shooting occurred after an argument escalated inside a vehicle, leading to an accidental discharge of a firearm. Despite immediate medical assistance, Antonio was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect, who fled the scene, as the community grapples with the impact of domestic violence and firearm safety concerns.
Florence County, SC
In a tragic incident, three-year-old Antonio Burgess from Hemingway, South Carolina, was killed in a shooting involving his mother’s boyfriend. The shooting occurred on Saturday evening in the 900 block of Midway Highway in the Johnsonville area, and the identity of the child was confirmed by the Florence County coroner, Keith von Lutken.
Authorities received reports of the shooting around 9:30 p.m. when an argument among five individuals escalated inside a vehicle. As the driver pulled over on Midway Highway, an altercation broke out between the child’s mother and her boyfriend. The situation quickly turned violent when the boyfriend struck the child’s mother in the face while standing outside of the car.
Following the attack, the boyfriend moved to the opposite side of the car where he allegedly struck the driver with a firearm. During this confrontation, the gun discharged accidentally, striking little Antonio in the head while he was seated in the backseat of the vehicle.
In a desperate attempt to save him, the driver rushed Antonio to the Johnsonville Rescue Squad Station. However, despite the efforts made to administer medical care, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterward. The boyfriend of the child’s mother fled the scene immediately following the incident and is currently wanted by law enforcement on multiple charges, including murder.
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye confirmed that the family is cooperating with the ongoing investigation into this tragic event. In initial reports, there was confusion regarding the identity of the suspect, with early information mistakenly indicating that the boyfriend was the child’s father. However, this was clarified by authorities, confirming that the suspect is indeed the mother’s boyfriend.
The community has been left shaken by Antonio’s death, which highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence and firearm safety. As investigations continue, updates will be provided to the public. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Background Context
This incident sheds light on the severe impact of domestic disputes and the potential consequences they hold for innocent bystanders, especially children. The involvement of firearms in domestic situations raises concerns about gun safety and protective measures within households. Both community leaders and advocates are likely to use this tragedy to push for greater awareness and preventive strategies in hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future.
FAQ
What happened to Antonio Burgess?
Antonio Burgess was killed in a shooting incident involving his mother’s boyfriend on Saturday evening in Florence County, SC. The shooting occurred when the boyfriend accidentally discharged a firearm while confronting the child’s mother and the driver of the vehicle.
Who is being charged in this incident?
The boyfriend of Antonio’s mother is facing multiple charges, including murder. He fled the scene after the incident and is currently being sought by law enforcement.
How has the community reacted to this incident?
The community is deeply affected by the tragic loss of such a young child. This incident has raised discussions about domestic violence, firearm safety, and the need for greater protective measures in homes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Florence County Coroner Identifies 3-Year-Old Killed in Shooting
- Wikipedia: Florence County, South Carolina
- WMBF News: Coroner Releases ID of 3-Year-Old Killed in Pee Dee Shooting
- Google Search: Florence County shooting
- Post and Courier: Florence County SC Coroner Identifies Child
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Live 5 News: Deputies Investigating After 3-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Pee Dee
- Google News: Antonio Burgess
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.
