Three male suspects have been arrested and charged in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy from James City County, according to a March 30 announcement by local police. The incident occurred on March 29 following reports of gunshots in the 100 block of Dehaven Court.
Police said Omari-Ahmad T. Martin, age 18, from Williamsburg, has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. A 17-year-old male from York County and a 16-year-old male from James City County have also been charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Martin is being held without bond at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail while both juveniles are remanded to Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center. Police believe an altercation between the victim and suspects led to the shooting.
“Our community is grieving after a tragic and senseless act of violence claimed a life and left a family facing unimaginable loss. On behalf of the entire police department, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted. Incidents like this are often the result of reckless and dangerous choices fueled by personal conflicts and a profound disrespect for human life,” Chief Mark Jamison said.
Jamison also thanked members of his department as well as other agencies that assisted with the investigation: “I express my deep appreciation for members of the James City County Police Department, and extend thanks to the James City County Fire Department, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and our community.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Police Dispatch at 757-566-0112 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Line or p3Tips.com.
