Virginia beach shooting victim dies, suspect charge raised to murder

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Eldon Valery, a 59-year-old man from Virginia Beach, succumbed to his injuries following a shooting incident on Lynnhaven Parkway. The Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has subsequently charged Kristin Barber, the suspect in the case, with second-degree murder.

The initial incident occurred on October 7, 2023, at the intersection of Indian River Road and Lynnhaven Parkway. Virginia Beach Police Department officers found Valery with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body and immediately provided lifesaving efforts. Valery was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but passed away on October 30, 2023.

Kristin Barber, a 34-year-old female from Virginia Beach, was originally arrested and charged with Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Child Neglect. Additional charges of Aggravated Malicious Wounding and Shooting in a Vehicle were added on October 14. Following Valery’s death, Barber was officially charged with second-degree murder on November 25, 2023, and remains in custody.

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