Man arrested, 2nd suspect sought in Sept. 2025 homicide in Beaufort

by Christopher Teuton, Madalyn Bierster

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - UPDATE 8 P.M.: The Beaufort Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Gerald Washington Jr. in connection with the September 2025 homicide of 28-year-old Christopher Jamal Burton.

Washington is wanted on the following charges: Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, criminal conspiracy, and discharging a firearm within city limits.

The Beaufort Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Gerald Washington Jr. in connection with the September 2025 homicide of 28-year-old Christopher Jamal Burton.

On September 29, 2025, at approximately 8:53 p.m., Beaufort Police officers responded to a report of shots fired at 330 Robert Smalls Parkway. Upon arrival, officers located one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered aid until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Washington is encouraged to contact Investigator Lynch at 843-322-7828.

Here's the location of the shopping center where Burton lost his life.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may submit tips through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at www.TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238). Please reference case #25B34154.

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A suspect has been arrested in connection with a September 2025 homicide that killed a 28-year-old man on Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort, police announced.

In a media release, the Beaufort Police Department said Jaheim Tyberous Watson was taken into custody Thursday, January 29, 2026, for the shooting death of Christopher Jamal Burton.

Watson has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, criminal conspiracy, and discharging a firearm within city limits.

The shooting occurred on September 29, 2025, around 8:53 p.m. when Beaufort police officers were called to 330 Robert Smalls Parkway for reports of shots fired. Officers found Burton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and immediately provided aid until emergency medical services arrived.

Burton was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The victim, 28-year-old Christopher Burton, died at a Beaufort hospital early Tuesday morning after a shooting Monday night.

The incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Lynch at 843-322-7828.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can report tips to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at www.TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT.