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Newport News Police identify suspect in fatal shooting

Posted at 4:13 PM, Dec 30, 2016
and last updated 2018-12-10 14:37:03-05

Monte Michael Stokes

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Search warrants describe a bloody scene inside a 31st Street apartment where 51-year-old Eduardo Amezcua’s body was found.

According to police, 26-year-old Monte Michael Stokes of Hampton is accused of fatally shooting the church leader inside his apartment on December 20, 2016.

Police said Stokes has been been charged with murder, burglary with intent to commit murder in addition to several firearm charges.

According to search warrants, Stokes was found injured outside the apartment where Amezcua was killed. He was taken to the hospital for facial injuries and later arrested.

Inside the apartment, search warrants said, police took guns, electronic devices and blood samples. According to police a woman was also inside the home when the shooting occurred, they have not identified her but say she wasn’t hurt.

Newport News Police have not whether or not Stokes and Amezcua knew each other, a motive has also not been released.

Stokes’ sentencing has been set for March, 2019.