Portsmouth, Virginia – A tragic incident unfolded in broad daylight on Friday, as a 10-year-old boy lost his life to gun violence in Portsmouth. Details captured on a doorbell camera shed light on the aftermath of the shooting, revealing a heart-wrenching scene moments after the fatal incident.
Authorities have taken 31-year-old Shawnday Ross into custody in connection with the shooting, charging her with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. As the investigation unfolds, police are actively seeking 26-year-old Cleon Deonte Banks, considered armed and dangerous, as a person of interest in the case.
The harrowing events took place on Farragut Street around 6:15 p.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement following reports of gunshots. By the time officers arrived on the scene, the young boy had sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound, tragically succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.
Residents John Morin-Leidig and Jennifer Dunleavy captured the chilling sounds of gunfire on their doorbell camera, with approximately 20 shots ringing out as a group of children fled down the street in the aftermath of the shooting. The intensity of the situation led Morin-Leidig to believe they were facing an active shooter scenario, prompting them to seek refuge and alert the authorities.
The unsettling nature of the incident was further emphasized by Dunleavy, who described the shock of experiencing daytime gunfire in their neighborhood. The alarming circumstances surrounding the shooting left the community shaken, with Morin-Leidig expressing relief for avoiding potential danger by staying indoors.
In a statement addressing the heartbreaking loss, Police Chief Stephen Jenkins condemned the violence that claimed the life of the young boy, highlighting the devastating impact of neighborhood disputes escalating to lethal consequences involving juveniles and firearms.
Darrell Redmond, the founder of Give Back 2 Da Block, reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy on the community, emphasizing the collective grief and sorrow experienced in the wake of the senseless violence. Redmond’s personal connection to the victim’s family underscored the deep-rooted devastation caused by the loss of a young life, resonating with a profound sense of loss and injustice in the neighborhood.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, ongoing updates and developments can be found on local news sources, providing insight into the unfolding investigation and efforts to address the tragic events that have left a lasting impact on Portsmouth.