In the early morning hours of July 13, 2025, the life of 32-year-old Dion L. Melton, a Black male, was tragically cut short in the Calvert Square neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia. Just after 1:00 a.m., police responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 900 block of Bagnall Road. Upon arrival, officers found Melton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
His father, Cedric Cradle, expressed his profound grief, stating, 'I just feel like I'm living in a bad dream.'
The investigation into Melton's death spanned several months and crossed state lines. In the weeks following the shooting, his family pleaded for answers and justice. His death marked the second fatal shooting in that area within a week, prompting community concern over gun violence. The diligent work of Norfolk detectives eventually led them to identify two suspects in the case.
On September 23, 2025, a collaborative effort between the Norfolk Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the New York Police Department resulted in the apprehension of two individuals in Brooklyn, New York. Joy T. Samuels, 32, and Robert Gilmore, 31, both of Norfolk, were taken into custody without incident. Samuels was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy. Gilmore faced charges of second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy, and the use of a firearm. Following their arrest, both were held awaiting extradition back to Norfolk.
