Sumter police announced this weekend that a former Beaufort County man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a mother and her son last seen two years ago this week.
Authorities say 26-year-old Jonas Jerry Washington was taken into custody in Georgia. He’s charged with the murder of Sophia Van Dam and the kidnapping of 2-year-old Matteo. The two were reported missing by their family on June 24, 2023.
Investigators say Washington once lived with Van Dam and her son in Sumter. They have yet to say why they believe the mother is dead or released any information on the whereabouts of Matteo.
Washington is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sumter County Judicial Center.
