On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Newport News community was shaken by the tragic death of 31-year-old African American resident Dewand L. McGowan. Working as a manager at a Wendy's restaurant located in the 14000 block of Warwick Boulevard, McGowan was nearing the end of his shift when the incident occurred. Just around 10 p.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of a shooting at the location, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and medical personnel.
Upon
arriving at the scene, Newport News police officers discovered McGowan suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot area near the establishment. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders to provide aid, his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators cordoned off the area with crime scene tape, searching the parking lot and the nearby building for evidence as they worked to piece together the events that led to the violence.
As of late December 2025, authorities had not released the names of any suspects or announced any arrests in connection with the homicide. The investigation remained active, with detectives appealing to the public for any information that could lead to those responsible. McGowan, remembered by friends for his laid-back personality and warm hugs, was the son of John Beamon and had previously suffered the loss of his mother, Kyna McGowan, to gun violence in 2023. His untimely death marked another somber chapter for the family and the Newport News community.
