NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A man has been arrested for an August 2023 Newport News shooting that left two teenagers dead.
The Newport News Police Department said 20-year-old Camari Hayes of Newport News is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm and discharging a firearm in public.
On the night of August 29, 2023, police said officers were called to the 4900 block of Rochester Court, where they found a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy both suffering from gunshot wounds. The 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 17-year-old was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Police returned to the scene of the crime Friday afternoon to update neighbors.
"This is some good news today," said Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew. "It’s good news about a horrible incident that affected our community, this community and our city."
At the time of the shooting, one neighbor who asked to remain anonymous, told 13News Now, "I think it’s bad and crazy. Our young people don’t value life."
Even though a suspect is in custody, neighbors were very hesitant to speak Friday afternoon. One neighbor, who heard the gunshots back in August, said she's glad police returned with news of an arrest. Chief Drew said that choice was intentional.
"Any loss of life is impactful to this community, our city and this department," he said. "Men and women and myself take this personally. As much outreach as we do and interactions we have, we have two teenagers that lost their [lives]."
Officers believe Hayes knew the victims. Chief Drew says the department sees this with the majority of homicides.
"A little over 70% were individuals who knew each other," he explained. "It's not just someone walking outside and committing an act of violence. The majority of the cases we are investigating, there is some type of association."
When asked what his message to the community and families is, Drew, said, "I'm sorry. We’re going to continue to persevere, and resolve and focus. Do not commit acts of violence in this city."
Police said Hayes was served warrants in connection to the shootings on April 29 at Newport News City Jail. Hayes was already in custody on unrelated charges.
The shooting remains under investigation. If you know anything that may help detectives, you're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887 or submit a tip online using P3 Tips.