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Two charged with murder after fight leads to shooting at Hampton Wawa; search is on for woman

Police said a fight outside Wawa at West Mercury Boulevard and Aberdeen Road led to gunfire. Jaquan and Samuel Cooper were charged with the murder of Myzhe Lewis.

HAMPTON, Va. — Two men face a slew of charges for a homicide outside a Wawa in Hampton that took place a couple of days before the 4th of July, and police are asking help to find a woman connected with the crime.

Jaquan Devonta Cooper, 23, and Samuel Cooper, 29, were charged with the murder of 20-year-old Myzhe Lewis.

The 29-year-old was charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jaquan Cooper was charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied vehicle, possession of a firearm with drugs and distribution of marijuana.

Hampton Police are also searching for 19-year-old Karina Espinosa, who has an active warrant for one count of felony obstruction.

Credit: Hampton Police Division
Karina Espinosa

According to dispatchers the call for a shooting in the 2400 block of W. Mercury Boulevard came in at 8:34 p.m. on July 2.

When officers arrived, they found one man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene and identified as Myzhe Lewis.

Officers found a second adult man nearby also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. His injuries were said to be non-life threatening and he was taken to a local hospital. 

Credit: Hampton Police Division
The Hampton Police Division is investigating a double shooting.

Neighbor Michael Harper said it’s just sad to hear this kind of news. Harper has lived in the Aberdeen neighborhood for 60 years and he said all this new violence must change.

"We have to put more time and energy into our children. We've got to teach them right from wrong and to be compassionate and love one another,” said Harper.

But neighbor Robert Jackson said he’s angry a shooting happened at the gas station he visits regularly.

"I want to live, I want to be around for my children, so stop firing stupidly,” said Jackson. 

Jackson said all the shootings are causing people to be afraid.

"It's a war zone, people are going in here to get their convenience and wherever you go, you have to worry about someone shooting, and that's just a sad state of affairs,” said Jackson.

Preliminary investigations revealed that two groups of individuals were involved in a verbal fight in the Wawa parking lot before they began firing at each other.

Cooper was also charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting at an occupied vehicle, possession of a firearm with drugs and distribution of marijuana.

He remains in custody at the Hampton City Jail.

If you know the whereabouts of Karina Espinosa or have any information related to the shooting, please call the Hampton Police Division at 757-727-6111 or the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

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