VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of another 17-year-old on Schoolhouse Road earlier this week, Virginia Beach Police announced Thursday.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody on December 5 and charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The arrest follows an investigation into the December 2 shooting that claimed the life of a Chesapeake teen.
Officers responding to the 5700 block of Schoolhouse Road at 8:59 p.m. Monday found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate expressed concern about the continuing problem of youth gun violence. “While we are experiencing a 48% decrease in total homicides compared to 2023, the number involving juveniles continues to be alarming,” Neudigate said, adding that juveniles have been implicated in six homicides this year, accounting for 50% of the city’s total.
Neudigate urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, monitor their teens’ behavior and social interactions, and have open discussions about the risks and responsibilities of their actions.