19-year-old arrested hours after man gunned down on thousand oaks drive
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19-year-old arrested hours after man gunned down on Thousand Oaks Drive

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November 11, 2025
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Virginia Beach man gunned down as police arrest suspect in under nine hours

Virginia Beach, VA – A man was shot and killed late Monday afternoon in a residential neighborhood, and within nine hours, police arrested a 19-year-old Newport News man in connection with the fatal shooting.

At approximately 5:25 p.m., Virginia Beach Emergency Communications received a report of a person shot in the 900 block of Thousand Oaks Drive. Responding officers found 34-year-old Markel Alexander Cephas of Chester, Virginia, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) launched a homicide investigation and quickly identified Roberto Amir Inniss, 19, as the primary suspect. Investigators credited the rapid identification and apprehension of Inniss to the use of real-time technology, including Flock Safety license plate reader systems, and collaboration with the Chesapeake Police Department.

By early Tuesday morning, Inniss was in custody. He has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

The arrest marks one of the fastest homicide-related apprehensions in the city this year, with police emphasizing the role of advanced digital tools and cross-jurisdictional teamwork in tracking down the suspect.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Virginia Beach Police at (757) 385-4101 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or P3Tips.com.

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Key Points

  • A 34-year-old man was fatally shot Monday evening in Virginia Beach
  • The suspect, a 19-year-old from Newport News, was arrested within nine hours
  • License plate reader technology played a key role in the quick apprehension
Local News Report

Local News Report

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News