NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A 14-year-old boy is the only survivor after five people were gunned down in four separate incidents in Newport News. The violence happened in just 4 days.
“It’s scary knowing all the gangs and different people are against each other,” said a woman who lives nearby where the 14-year-old boy was shot. She did not want to be identified for fear of her own safety.
The woman told News 3 she thought the violence was due to gangs in the area, and that she thought the teen was targeted by gang members.
“All these gangs and stuff going on around here, so yeah" she said, when asked if it was a possibility that the boy was targeted.
Now, police need the public’s help to solve not only this case, but several other recent homicide cases that happened in a four day period: a double homicide at Tarrytown apartments on Saturday, a homicide in the 400 block of Tara Ct. on Monday, and a homicide off Penrith Lane on Tuesday.
“A tiny lead can lead to something huge,” said MPO Brandon Maynard, an assistant public information officer with the Newport News Police Department. “We may get two or three tiny leads that build that one big case and make one big arrest.”
Which means any tips helps.
Officers released a recent Crime Line video on one of the shootings, seeking tips from the public on the double homicide at the Tarrytown apartment complex.
Police say a witness heard three to four gunshots and saw a burgundy SUV leave the scene.
However, police say no matter how many Crime Line videos they make, none of it matters, unless the public comes forward.
“I stress all the time,” said Maynard, “Crime Line is a great tool. You remain anonymous. Any information – any – just come forward, please.”
Police say the crime rate will come down when citizens start coming forward.
If you have any information that could help police solve any ongoing investigations, take action and call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
The Crime Line is totally anonymous, and callers are never required to testify in court.
If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward up to $1000.
