Johnsonville, South Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary A tragic incident unfolded in Johnsonville, South Carolina, where a 3-year-old boy, Antonio Kamani Burgess II, was fatally shot on a Saturday night. The boy was reported to be in the backseat of a car when a confrontation escalated to gunfire, resulting in a fatal injury. Kenneth Washington Jr. has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly aiding the shooter, Joseph Waterman Jr., who is still at large. Local authorities are searching for Waterman and seeking public assistance in the case. Johnsonville: Toddler Fatally Shot; Suspect Arrested, Co-Defendant Still at Large A 3-year-old boy named Antonio Kamani Burgess II was fatally shot in Johnsonville, South Carolina on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The incident took place around 9:25 p.m. when deputies were called to the Johnsonville Rescue Squad after the child was brought in with a gunshot wound. The shooting occurred on the 900 block of Midway Highway, where the young boy was reportedly sitting in the backseat of a car during a confrontation that escalated to gunfire. Antonio sustained a fatal injury to his head during the incident, as confirmed by Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken. Kenneth Washington Jr., 36, from Hemingway, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder in connection with the case. Authorities allege that Washington was responsible for driving Joseph Waterman Jr., 34, to the location of the shooting and was present during the incident. Following the shooting, Washington is accused of facilitating Waterman’s escape from the scene without notifying law enforcement or aiding the injured child. Waterman, who is still at large and considered to be armed and dangerous, has a history as the boyfriend of Antonio’s mother. Reports suggest that he confronted both the child’s mother and another driver before the deadly shooting took place. Authorities are actively searching for him and have encouraged anyone with knowledge of his location to come forward. Washington is currently held at the Florence County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025. Community Response and Ongoing Investigation The tragic incident has left the Johnsonville community in shock, prompting an outcry for justice for the young victim. Local law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are committed to apprehending Waterman. They have also reached out to the public for assistance in finding him. Details of the Incident The confrontation that led to the fatal shooting reportedly began over an argument involving Antonio’s mother and another driver. Witness accounts reveal that Waterman confronted both parties, which later escalated and ultimately resulted in the tragic outcome. The incident has raised questions about gun violence and its impact on families and children in the area. Call for Information <pAuthorities have requested anyone who may have information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of Joseph Waterman Jr. to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office at 843-665-2121 or to reach out to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. Conclusion The case remains under investigation as the community mourns the loss of a young life, a tragedy that highlights the ongoing issues regarding gun violence in society. As detectives piece together the events leading to the shooting, they continue their search for answers and justice. FAQ Section What happened during the shooting incident in Johnsonville? A 3-year-old boy named Antonio Kamani Burgess II was fatally shot while in the backseat of a car during a confrontation between two adults on September 13, 2025. Who have been arrested in connection to the shooting? Kenneth Washington Jr., 36, was arrested and charged with murder for allegedly aiding the shooter, Joseph Waterman Jr., who remains at large. How is law enforcement responding to the ongoing situation? Local authorities are actively searching for Joseph Waterman Jr. and have urged anyone with information to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeStoppers. When is the bond hearing for Kenneth Washington Jr. scheduled? The bond hearing for Kenneth Washington Jr. is set for November 19, 2025. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Florence County Man Charged with Murder and Domestic Violence Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 3-Year-Old in Johnsonville Tragedy Strikes as Three-Year-Old Killed in SC Shooting Shooting Incident Leaves Toddler Fatally Injured in Florence County 3-Year-Old Child Fatally Shot in Florence County, SC Investigation Underway After Toddler is Fatally Shot in Florence County Florence Community Grieves the Loss of Teacher Dorothy Gerald Two Women Arrested in Tragic Death of Toddler in Florence Amber Alert Activated for Missing 1-Year-Old in Florence Additional Resources WPDE: Suspect Arrested for Murder After 3-Year-Old Was Shot & Killed in Florence Co Wikipedia: Gun Violence The State: Local News Article Google Search: Johnsonville South Carolina shooting WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Teens Arrested Google Scholar: Gun Violence Impact on Children Post and Courier: Kenneth Washington Arrested Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence Statistics WBTW: Man Facing Murder Charge in Florence County Google News: Florence County Shooting Updates
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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.
