Virginia beach teen arrested for fatal shooting — The metal handcuffs on black background. Handcuff or shackle. Police handcuffs.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A 17-year-old from Virginia Beach was arrested on Dec. 5, on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of another 17-year-old, the Virginia Beach Police Department announced.

This tragic case marks the sixth homicide in Virginia Beach this year involving juvenile offenders. According to police, juveniles have accounted for 50% of the city’s homicides in 2024, while 33.3% of victims have also been under the age of 18. In addition to fatal shootings, authorities have tallied numerous non-fatal shootings involving juveniles, with seven identified as offenders and seven as victims.

“These numbers should be distressing to our entire community,” VBPD stated, emphasizing the devastating impact of gun violence among youth. Officials urged parents to intervene if they suspect their children may have access to firearms, encouraging them to check belongings, remove firearms from reach, and engage in open discussions about the consequences of their actions.

The city has experienced an alarming trend of youth involvement in gun-related violence, leading to lost lives, shattered futures, and grieving families. Local law enforcement continues to investigate these incidents while calling for a collective community effort to address the root causes of youth gun violence.

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