Karlos Evan Andrews, a 37-year-old African American male, was found dead inside a car in the parking lot of Eastway Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina, on October 7, 2021. His death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Andrews was a suspect in the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Loren Javell Ransome, which occurred on October 5, 2021, in Newport News, Virginia. Ransome, also an African American male, was shot outside the Jackpot Hookah Lounge on Warwick Boulevard.
Andrews was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon, and shooting a firearm in a public place.
The investigation into Ransome's death revealed that Andrews and Ransome were siblings. The Newport News Police Department had issued warrants for Andrews' arrest, describing him as armed and dangerous. The police were notified by Durham authorities late on October 7 that Andrews had been found dead. The circumstances surrounding Andrews' death did not appear suspicious, and the investigation concluded that he had taken his own life.
The case drew significant attention due to the familial connection between the victim and the suspect, as well as the tragic end to the pursuit of Andrews. The Newport News Police Department continued to investigate the events leading up to the shooting and Andrews' subsequent suicide, but no further arrests or suspects were identified in connection with the case. The community was left grappling with the loss of two lives and the impact of the violence on the families involved.
