On December 5, police claimed they detained a minor on accusations of first-degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony.
Virginia Beach, Virginia. On Friday, police revealed that an arrest had been made in the shooting death of a 17-year-old on Kempsville Road on Monday.
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the key suspect in their investigation is a 17-year-old kid from Virginia Beach. He was detained on Thursday and charged with first-degree murder and using a handgun to commit a felony.
According to the VBPD, this is the city’s sixth homicide involving children this year. They estimated that by 2024, 50% of killings will involve a juvenile as the criminal and one-third as the victim.
On Monday night, police were alerted to a shooting near the Tallwood Apartments on Schoolhouse Road. Neighbours told 13News Now they heard five or six gunshots and saw the deceased laying in the middle of Kempsville Road, just feet away from Tallwood Elementary.
“It happened in the middle of the street, right by the median,” said John Newsome, a neighbour who attempted to provide CPR to the man before medics came. “It’s just crazy to think about, somebody’s life snuffed out, and for what?”
The victim from Chesapeake died many hours after arriving at the hospital.
“One is too high, and these numbers should concern the entire community,” said VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate. “I am once again pleading with parents and guardians to stay watchful about their teen’s behaviour, social interactions, social media usage, and any indicators of concern. Have open discussions about the consequences and responsibilities of their behaviour.”
Police have not disclosed the suspect’s or victim’s names.