In the early morning hours of December 29, 2024, a verbal dispute inside a downtown Hampton, Virginia, tavern tragically escalated, ending the life of 22-year-old Gabriel N. Simon. An African American male, Simon was a lifelong resident of the Peninsula, born in nearby Newport News. Remembered for his infectious smile, he was a graduate of Kecoughtan High School who enjoyed music and football.
The fatal encounter occurred around 12:40 a.m.
at the Stillwater Tavern located in the 500 block of Settlers Landing Road. According to police, Simon was involved in an argument with another man. The altercation intensified, and the other individual shot Simon multiple times. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and transported Simon to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, the Hampton Police Division quickly identified a suspect in the homicide. Terrell Xavier Jones, a 22-year-old man also from Hampton, was named as the primary suspect. An investigation revealed that after the verbal exchange, Jones allegedly began firing at Simon, striking him.
Authorities subsequently arrested Jones. He is facing multiple charges in connection with the shooting, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm in an occupied building, reckless handling of a firearm, and possession of a concealed weapon.
