In the late afternoon of Sunday, March 23, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in the 500 block of Cumberland Avenue in Portsmouth, Virginia, leading to the death of 51-year-old Bennie Anthony Artis Jr. Police received a call around 3:57 p.m. about a possible deceased male at a local business. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the body of Mr. Artis, a male, who was unresponsive and had sustained multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known in his community for his kindness and for operating a car wash in the London Plaza area, his passing left a significant void. Family and friends, deeply affected by the loss, gathered for a vigil to honor his memory. His daughter, Tiffany Washington, remembered her father as a good man who was always smiling, while his sister, Sabrina Edmonds, described him as a pillar of the community who frequently helped those in need.
The investigation into the death of Bennie Anthony Artis Jr. moved swiftly, with Portsmouth police identifying suspects shortly after the incident. A witness informed investigators that they had driven both Artis and another man, Dontayous Tonard Cameron, to the Cumberland Avenue location. Surveillance footage proved to be a critical piece of evidence, showing Artis and Cameron entering a suite together. The footage later showed the vehicle that dropped them off leaving after waiting for several minutes, and shortly thereafter, Cameron was seen exiting the building alone. No other individuals were recorded entering or leaving the premises before Artis was found. Another witness, who had been called by the driver after unsuccessful attempts to contact Artis and Cameron, arrived at the scene to find Artis unresponsive and immediately alerted the police.
The day after the discovery of Mr. Artis's body, police arrested 44-year-old Dontayous Tonard Cameron in connection with the homicide. He was charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting in the commission of a felony, shooting with the intent to maim, kill, or injure, and discharging a firearm within a building. A few days later, on a Thursday, a second suspect was taken into custody. Guy Leighton Taylor, 34, was arrested and faced a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and shooting in the commission of a felony. The investigation further uncovered potential criminal activity beyond the murder when a search of Cameron's residence revealed over half a kilogram of a substance suspected to be fentanyl, along with packaging materials and cutting agents. Investigators noted that the quantity of the substance was not consistent with personal use. Additionally, more than 20 spent cartridge casings were found near the victim, and forensic testing is underway to determine if there is a DNA link to the suspects.
