PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The Portsmouth Police Department is investigating after a teenager who walked into a local hospital with a gunshot wound died from his injuries.
According to police, officers were called to the hospital at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
The 17-year-old victim reportedly had life-threatening injuries when he arrived at the hospital. He later died as a result of the injuries.
A crime scene was located near the 1100 block of Cherokee Road, at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints parking lot, according to police.
News 3 spoke with the victim's family on Monday, and they identified him as Jamont Mitchell.
His cousin, Traniya Miller, said Mitchell was a junior at Indian River High School in Chesapeake. She was unclear why he was at the church parking lot in Portsmouth.
"Jamont was lovable and caring. We are not going to be OK; this isn’t something we can get over. My cousin didn’t bother anyone at all," said Miller.
Miller also claimed the suspect who allegedly shot Mitchell lived behind the church where the incident happened.
News 3 went to the home where the victim’s family believed the suspect lives, and a woman who identified herself as the suspect's grandmother answered the door. She told us said her grandson was arrested in connection with this incident.
The suspect has been detailed by police as a 17-year-old boy. They said he was apprehended and charged with aggravated murder, robbery and shooting in the commission of a felony. He has not been named at this time since he is a juvenile.
"Our condolences go out to the victim and the victim's family. We hope that there is resolve with this incident soon," Bishop of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Portsmouth told News 3.
Portsmouth Police have recently released their crime prevention programs as well as statistics.
They have already implemented several programs aimed to curb gun violence in teens including grassroots organizations and mentors that have had boots on the ground for several months.
You can read about their plans here.
Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 757–393–8536. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip with the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or use the Crime Line’s “P3 Tips” app.
