Beaufort County man arrested, charged with murder in 2023 missing persons case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A Beaufort County man has been charged with murder and kidnapping in the case of Sophia Van Dam and her 2-year-old son Matteo, who were reported missing in 2023.

The Sumter Police Department placed 26-year-old Jonas Jerry Washington in custody earlier this week in Georgia, with the suspect now being held locally at the county detention center.

According to authorities, Washington has been charged with murder for the killing of Sophia Van Dam and the kidnapping of Matteo.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE IN 2023:

Officers said Washington was living in Sumter with Sophia and Matteo before both the mother and son were reported missing in June 2023 by family members in Beaufort County.

Sumter Police, with the help of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, and the FBI, are continuing to investigate and ask anyone with information that could help in the investigation to call 803-436-2700.

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