ROANOKE, VA – A 16-year-old who shot and killed 16-year-old Jaquice Kearney has pleaded guilty to murder and his identity has been released.
Ta’Juan M. Johnson, 16 of Roanoke, involved in the April 2021 murder of sixteen-year-old Jaquice Kearney pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in Commission of Murder regarding Kearney’s death. Johnson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for a later date.
“We commend the actions of the Roanoke Police Department personnel who were involved in this case from the beginning. The loss of such a young life is difficult enough, but it is particularly more tragic when the life is taken by another young person. Thank you to everyone who worked with both diligence and compassion on such a difficult case,” the Roanoke Police Department said in a statement today.
Police released the following report of the incident that took place last year:
On April 26, 2021 at approximately 4:45 p.m., Roanoke Police were on a call the 2900 block of Salem Turnpike NW, when they heard shots fired and observed two male subjects running, one holding a firearm. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit with the subjects, but were not able to apprehend them at that time. Almost immediately after officers engaged in the foot pursuit, Roanoke Police were notified of a person with a gunshot wound in the area near 30th Street and Salem Turnpike NW.
Other officers responded to that scene and located two juvenile males who had been shot. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported both victims to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of what appeared to be serious injuries.
Officers were able to locate the two male suspects in a residence in the 600 block of Naho Street NW. Shortly after locating both suspects, they were both taken into custody for questioning. Both were identified as juvenile males.
Salem Turnpike NW is closed between 31st Street NW and 30th Street NW while officers continue this investigation. 30th Street NW is also closed at this time. Please avoid the area or seek an alternate route for the time being.
. No further updates are available at this time.
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