Johnsonville, September 18, 2025 News Summary A 3-year-old boy, Antonio Kamani Burgess II, was shot and killed in Johnsonville, South Carolina, during a domestic dispute. Kenneth Washington Jr. has been charged with murder while another suspect, Joseph Waterman Jr., remains at large. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and gun safety in the community. Local authorities continue to seek information to aid the investigation. Johnsonville, South Carolina — A 3-year-old boy named Antonio Kamani Burgess II was tragically shot and killed on Saturday night, September 16, 2025. Authorities have charged Kenneth Washington Jr., a 36-year-old and resident of Hemingway, with murder connected to the incident. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Washington’s arrest on Tuesday, September 19, 2025. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond. The shooting took place around 9:25 p.m. in the 900 block of Midway Highway in Johnsonville, where Antonio was shot in the head while seated in the backseat of a vehicle. Immediately after the shooting, Antonio was transported to the Johnsonville Rescue Squad, where deputies were alerted to the situation. Washington was present during the incident and had previously driven another individual, identified as Joseph Waterman Jr., to the scene. Waterman, who is the boyfriend of Antonio’s mother, has also been identified as a suspect in the shooting. The altercation that led to the shooting stemmed from an earlier domestic dispute. During the confrontation, Waterman allegedly assaulted Antonio’s mother and the driver of another vehicle. It was during this confrontation that a gun discharged when Waterman attempted to strike the other driver with it, resulting in the accidental shooting of young Antonio. Washington allegedly provided assistance to Waterman immediately following the shooting but failed to contact law enforcement or aid the child. Waterman is now wanted on a murder charge and is considered armed and dangerous. As of this reporting, he remains at large. An autopsy for Antonio is scheduled for the week following his death, and a bond hearing for Washington has been set for November 19, 2025. The conditions of any other surviving victims remain uncertain at this time. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and have requested anyone with information about the case to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeStoppers. Community members are urged to come forward to assist law enforcement in bringing those responsible to justice. Background Information Such tragic incidents involving young victims highlight ongoing issues related to domestic disputes and gun violence in the community. The case is part of a larger commitment by law enforcement to address violence within households and ensure safety for vulnerable individuals, particularly children. Further Investigation Authorities continue to gather evidence and eyewitness accounts to better understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to apprehend Waterman and ensure that those responsible are held accountable amid ongoing community concerns. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions Who is Kenneth Washington Jr.? Kenneth Washington Jr. is a 36-year-old resident of Hemingway, South Carolina, who has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 3-year-old Antonio Kamani Burgess II. What happened to Antonio Kamani Burgess II? Antonio was fatally shot in the head while seated in the backseat of a vehicle during a domestic dispute escalation that took place on September 16, 2025. Why is Joseph Waterman Jr. a suspect? Joseph Waterman Jr. is considered a suspect because he was involved in the domestic dispute and allegedly discharged a firearm that resulted in the fatal shooting of Antonio. What is the status of the investigation? The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case and is seeking information from the public regarding the incident. What charges are filed against Waterman? Waterman is wanted on a murder charge and is considered armed and dangerous, with efforts ongoing to locate him. Key Incident Features Feature Details Date of Incident September 16, 2025 Victim Antonio Kamani Burgess II, 3 years old Suspect Kenneth Washington Jr. Second Suspect Joseph Waterman Jr. (still at large) Location 900 block of Midway Highway, Johnsonville Nature of Incident Domestic dispute escalated to violence Victim’s Condition Deceased Bond Status of Washington Held without bond Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Toddler Fatally Shot in Johnsonville; Suspect Arrested Tragic Accident Postpones Middle School Football Game in Florence Florence County Man Charged with Murder and Domestic Violence Shooting Incident in Florence County Connected to Drug Deal Tyler Robinson Faces Serious Charges in Court Hearing California Men’s Service Challenge: A Step Towards Healing Senate Approves Trump’s Federal Reserve Appointment Amid TikTok Uncertainty Heartfelt Reflection on Tragic Death of Activist Young Man Arrested in Shooting Incident Involving Activist Three Suspects Arrested in Cold Case Homicide Additional Resources WPDE: Investigation Underway into Fatal Shooting of 3-Year-Old in Florence Co Wikipedia: Gun Violence The State: Florence County Shooting Incident Google Search: Florence County Shooting WMBF News: Man Killed in Florence County Shooting Google Scholar: Domestic Violence and Gun Control WBTW: 3-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Florence County Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence Count on 2: Florence County Coroner Identifies 3-Year-Old Killed Google News: South Carolina Shooting
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