PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The 10-year-old boy shot and killed while inside his Portsmouth home becomes at least the fourth child in our area in recent months to be hit by a stray bullet.
In almost every case, it was a young boy shot while inside — what should have been — the comfort of his own home.
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Franklin
In Franklin, the search continues for Tashawnda Drayton more than eight months after police believe she shot and killed Le'marj Holden.
The shooting happened on Aug. 9, 2023, on Artis Street. The 10-year-old boy was standing in the doorway of his home when a fight outside escalated into gunfire.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for help finding Drayton.
Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, 8-year-old Landyn Davis was nearly killed while inside his home playing video games.
On Feb. 13, gunfire outside pierced the walls and hit Landyn in the head. He is set to be released from the hospital in May, according to his parents.
Following this shooting, Virginia Beach police made four arrests: Jawuan Jefferies, Toriyon Cook, Jerry Davis, and Jakyra Epperson.
"Our goal is to hold everyone who played some part in this accountable," Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said when he announced the first three arrests in March.
Newport News
Meanwhile, no arrests have been made in the shooting of a 12-year-old boy in Newport News on Feb. 29.
The boy was inside a home in the Warwick Mobile Home Community when he was hit by outside gunfire.
The boy survived.
Newport News police on Monday said the investigation is still ongoing.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth police are now investigating the latest case of stray gunfire hurting or killing kids.
In this case, 10-year-old Keontre Thornhill was shot and killed while inside his own home on Sunday.
Police Chief Stephen Jenkins says he's fed up.
"If you don't feel this as a 10-year-old minding his own business then you're dead inside," Jenkins said.
Police arrested Shawnday Ross, 31, for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Officers are now looking for a person of interest, 26-year-old Cleon Banks, who they consider to be armed and dangerous.