NORFOLK, Va. - Chains around his hands and ankles, and a jumpsuit on his back, a 19-year-old murder suspect shuffled into a Norfolk courtroom on Thursday to face a judge for a bond hearing.
Lamontraye McAdams appears before a Norfolk judge for his bond hearing.
Lamontraye McAdams was charged with 2nd-degree murder after police say he shot and killed 18-year-old Nateria Powell on Sunday at an apartment complex on Lead Street.
But on Thursday, McAdams' defense attorney argued it was an accident, confirming to News 3's Merris Badcock that McAdams and Powell were a couple.
"He certainly has expressed his remorse on the day that it happened, and continues to do so today," said defense attorney Trevor Robinson, who asked a judge to give the 19-year-old murder suspect bond.
"He is innocent until proven guilty, and at this point, I do not know that the Commonwealth has any evidence to suggest that this was intentional," Robinson told News 3 outside of the courtroom.
Defense attorney Trevor Robinson talks to News 3's Merris Badcock outside the Norfolk Courthouse.
Robinson gave Judge Michael Rosenblum a letter from McAdam's employer, which stated he was a valued employee.
McAdam's aunt testified about his character, and Robinson even referenced a News 3 story where a witness told us it was an accident.
But the Commonwealth disagreed. They told the judge the victim, who went by the nickname 'Nae', was brutally shot in the face. The attorney went into detail, noting that the bullet hit Powell in the right eye, and exited the back of her neck.
They also presented a Facebook photo of McAdams with a known gang member, allegedly throwing up a gang sign.
"I do not have any information that [McAdams] was affiliated with any known gang members," Robinson said after the bond hearing.
The Commonwealth also said the gun used in the crime is still missing, and feared McAdams might get a hold of it again if he is released on bond.
Eventually, a judge sided with the Commonwealth and denied bond for McAdams, much to the dismay of more than a dozen family members there to support the 19-year-old murder suspect.
McAdams is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing on July 11th, but Robinson tells me he plans to appeal the bond hearing.
Powell's family tells News 3 she was a senior at Maury High School with plans to graduate in a few weeks and attend college. We were also told she worked at OneLife Fitness.
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