By By G.E. Hinson

Copyright postandcourier

FLORENCE — The suspected shooter in the Sept. 13 gunfire that resulted in the death of 3-year-old Antonio Burgess has been arrested.

Joseph Waterman Jr., 34, of Conway, is in custody and charged with one count of murder, seven counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to a release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting occurred near Midway Highway in Johnsonville.

Waterman allegedly shot multiple times into a vehicle occupied by three adults and five children, according to the release.

At some point, investigators believe Waterman left his vehicle and approached the other vehicle with a firearm, according to the release. He struck the driver’s head with the firearm and shot into the vehicle, striking 3-year-old Burgess.

Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken identified Burgess, who was from Hemingway, Sept. 15.

Waterman is the second person charged in the shooting. Kenneth Washington Jr., 36, of Hemingway was arrested Sept. 17 and charged with murder. He allegedly drove his co-defendant to the location, remained there and then drove the co-defendant from the scene.

Waterman is being held at the Florence County Detention Center.

In South Carolina, a person convicted of murder can serve 30 years to life in prison or be given the death penalty.