PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A woman suspected of playing a role in the deadly shooting of a Portsmouth boy faced a judge for the first time on Friday. Her court appearance came as detectives continued working around the clock to catch the person who pulled the trigger.
13News Now waited for Shawnday Ross, 31, to arrive at her arraignment in Portsmouth court. Forty minutes later, Ross walked into the courtroom with family members. Just moments prior, Judge Solomon Ashby, Jr. ordered a warrant against Ross for failure to appear. The warrant ultimately was not issued.
Ross apologized to the judge for being late. In court, she disclosed she is responsible for the care of three people in her home.
Ashby appointed Ross a public defender.
As of Friday afternoon, Ross is the only person charged in connection with the homicide of 10-year-old Keontre Thornhill. At this time, it's not yet clear to the public how Ross is tied to the deadly shooting of the fourth grader.
Ross faces one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Outside the courtroom, 13News Now asked her questions, such as, "What was your role on April 26th?" Ross did not respond. She could be heard crying and she covered her face when leaving the courthouse.
Police said a fight between teenage girls broke out on Farragut Street on April 26 after 6 p.m. At some point during the fight, investigators said someone pulled out a gun and started firing.
At a vigil last Sunday evening, Keontre's family told 13News Now the 10-year-old was inside his home when a stray bullet hit him.
"My son was sitting in the window and he got killed," said Kevina Thornhill, Keontre's mother.
The boy is remembered as a loving son and sibling with an old soul.
"He's going to get justice because I'm going to be his voice," Thornhill added.
Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins shared with 13News Now last Sunday the vow he made to Keontre's family.
"Everyone involved in this that we have the ability based on the investigation to charge would be charged, whether it was a juvenile, adult or parent," said Chief Jenkins.
Meanwhile, on the way out from court Friday, Ross' family had no comment for the most part.
"I don't know. I wasn't there. My prayers go out to the family," said Ross' mother.
Portsmouth detectives are still searching for a person of interest. They want to ask 26-year-old Cleon Banks some questions. It's also not clear how Banks is linked to the deadly shooting, but he is considered armed and dangerous.
If you see him or know where he is, immediately call Portsmouth police at 757-393-8536.
Kevina Thornhill told 13News Now the viewing for her son is this Sunday at Metropolitan Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
Keontre's homegoing service is 11 a.m. Monday at The Mount Portsmouth.