Portsmouth, Virginia – Shocking footage from a doorbell camera captured the harrowing aftermath of a fatal shooting in broad daylight, where a 10-year-old boy lost his life on Friday. The incident unfolded on Farragut Street, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old Shawnday Ross on charges related to the tragic event. Police are now on the lookout for a person of interest, identified as 26-year-old Cleon Deonte Banks, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The Portsmouth Police responded to reports of gunshots around 6:15 p.m., finding the young boy with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Despite efforts at the hospital, the child succumbed to his injuries. John Morin-Leidig and Jennifer Dunleavy, residents in the neighborhood, were able to capture the chilling sound of gunfire on their home security camera, revealing a group of children running down the street amid the chaos of around 20 gunshots echoing in the air.
Describing the traumatic experience, Morin-Leidig shared how the intensity of the gunshots prompted them to fear an active shooter in the area, leading them to take shelter and call the authorities. Dunleavy expressed her heightened fear, noting that while gunshots were not uncommon in the neighborhood, the daytime shooting created an entirely different level of fear and anxiety among the residents.
Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins condemned the senseless violence, particularly noting the devastating impact of a young life lost to gun violence stemming from neighborhood disputes. The tragic incident has deeply affected the community, with Darrell Redmond of Give Back 2 Da Block emphasizing the profound grief and trauma experienced by the family and the larger community. Redmond, who knew the young boy’s family for decades, lamented the loss of a child who had his whole life ahead of him, highlighting the profound impact of such violence on families and communities.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, concerns about youth violence and the need for enhanced safety measures have come to the forefront. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for addressing underlying issues that contribute to such senseless acts of violence. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.