Murder, kidnapping charges filed
in 2023 missing persons case
SUMTER, SC (June 21, 2025) – A former Beaufort County man is in custody and charged in the case of Sophia Van Dam and her 2-year-old son Matteo, who were reported missing two years ago this month.
The Sumter Police Department placed Jonas Jerry Washington, 26, in custody earlier this week in Georgia. He is being held locally at the county detention center and is charged with murder for the killing of Sophia Van Dam and the kidnapping of Matteo.
A hearing before a Circuit Court judge is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sumter County Judicial Center.
Washington was living in Sumter with Sophia and Matteo before the mother and son were reported missing by family members in Beaufort County.
Additional information is not being released at this time. However, Sumter Police, in partnership with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division and the FBI, are continuing to investigate.
Any information that could help in the investigation can be submitted to the Sumter Police Department by calling 803-436-2700.
Tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at P3tips.com or by using the P3tips app for Apple or Android devices. Tips can also be submitted to SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov.
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Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, III
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