Daviyon Amani Jones, a 24-year-old Black man, was known by his loved ones as a funny and kind person with a memorable smile. Friends recalled his goofy nature and the positive energy he brought into their lives. He was a son, a brother, and a friend whose life was cut short in the chaotic early morning hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
His death left his family heartbroken and a community searching for answers about the violence that transpired.
The night’s tragic events began to unfold in a parking lot in the 4600 block of George Washington Highway. Sometime before 2:21 a.m., gunfire erupted at this location. It was here that Daviyon sustained fatal injuries. The circumstances that led to the shooting have not been made public by investigators. What is known is that in the immediate aftermath, Daviyon was not found by police at the scene.
Instead, at approximately 2:21 a.m., a silver vehicle arrived at the emergency entrance of Maryview Hospital. Two unidentified men got out of the car, brought Daviyon, who was suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds, into the hospital, and then quickly left the area. Medical personnel rushed to provide aid, but the injuries were too severe. Daviyon Amani Jones was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Meanwhile, police officers responding to reports of gunfire on George Washington Highway arrived to find a large and tumultuous crowd. In the midst of the chaos, a Portsmouth police officer shot and wounded a different man. That individual was given aid by officers until medics arrived and transported him to a hospital for treatment. The Virginia State Police later took over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard protocol.
Detectives with the Portsmouth Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit quickly determined that the incident that led to Daviyon’s death was the same shooting they had been called to on George Washington Highway. His death was officially classified as a homicide, and a separate investigation was launched to find who was responsible for firing the shots that killed him.
As part of their investigation, police sought the public's help in identifying the two men who dropped Daviyon off at the hospital. They were captured on surveillance footage, and authorities hoped they could provide crucial information about the shooting. A few days later, detectives announced they were searching for a person of interest who they believed had information vital to the case. They identified him as 24-year-old Taajh Amari Waters and asked for public assistance in locating him for questioning.
In the wake of the shooting, Daviyon’s family and friends were left to mourn their sudden and violent loss. They remembered him as a protector to his siblings and a young man who was dearly loved. His death added to the growing toll of gun violence in the city, a tragedy felt deeply by those who knew him and the wider community.
The investigation into the homicide of Daviyon Amani Jones remains active. As of the latest available updates, it is not publicly known if Taajh Amari Waters has been located or interviewed by detectives. No arrests have been made in connection with Daviyon's murder. The Portsmouth Police Department continues to ask for anyone with information about the shooting, the identity of the men in the silver car, or the events that took place on George Washington Highway to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or through the P3Tips mobile application.
