NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk police have arrested a man accused of fatally shooting the son of a Hampton Roads community activist.
Jalen Garces, 28, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Ali K. Muhammad, police said in a release. He's also charged with the use of a firearm.
Just after 10:30 p.m. on June 29, officers were dispatched to the 9600 block of 1st Bay Street after receiving a report about a person who had been shot.
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At the scene, police say they found Muhammad, 33, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.
Ali is the son of Bilal Muhammad, a well-known activist in the Hampton Roads community, and is outspoken about preventing gun violence.
Bilal said his whole family was "happy" to hear the news.
"We're smiling with happy tears," Bilal told News 3 photojournalist Justin Fleenor. "We're also smiling with sad tears. We've been praying hard for this day to come about...."
Bilal said he's now asking the community at large to stand together and speak out more for other crimes.
"A lot of families are grieving daily that just hasn't been done with their family," he said.
Bilal gave an account of what happened on the day of the shooting, saying Ali was heading to work when he asked another man to move his car.
Bilal said he was on the phone with Ali. He said he could hear Ali repeatedly asking someone to "move the gun out of my face."
Those were Ali's last words before he was killed, Bilal said.
"This is a total murder. My son didn't know the individual," Bilal said. "My children don't know him. I don't know him. What are we living in today?"
Bilal said Ali was working to establish a job at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and was working to build a foundation for his three children.
You can watch Justin Fleenor's full interview with Bilal Muhammad in the video player above.
Police said Garces was taken into custody on Aug. 4. He's currently being held in Norfolk City Jail.
This is a developing story. Stay with News 3 for updates.
