Beaufort man charged in killing of Sumter woman, kidnapping of 2-year-old son reported missing in 2023

Sumter Police Department announced the arrest of a Beaufort County man in connection to the death of 20-year-old Sophia Van Dam and kidnapping of her 2-year-old son, Matteo, both of whom were reported missing in 2023.

Jonas Jerry Washington, 26, was taken into custody earlier this week in Georgia, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department. He is being held at Sumter County Sheriff's Office Detention Center on murder and kidnapping charges, McGirt added. 

A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 1:30 p.m. at Sumter County Judicial Center. 

Washington was living in Sumter with Sophia and Matteo before they were reported missing by family members in Beaufort in June 2023, McGirt said. The mother and son were last seen on June 24 in Beaufort County, according to earlier reports. 

An investigation is ongoing by Sumter Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, SLED and FBI.  No other information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information that can help in the investigation is asked to submit tips to the police department by calling (803) 436-2700. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, at p3tips.com, using the P3 Tips app for mobile devices or to SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov.