Mehki Malik Teachey, a young man known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious smile, was born on July 23, 2001, in San Diego, California. At age four, he moved to Newport News, Virginia, where he grew up and was affectionately called "Ki" by his family and friends. Though he could be small in stature, Mehki was described as strong-willed, fearless, and full of an energy that commanded attention wherever he went.
He was a graduate of Woodside High School and had also attended Denbigh High School. His loved ones remember him as the sunshine in their lives, someone who loved to make people laugh and could turn ordinary moments into cherished memories. A loyal and caring son, brother, and friend, Mehki enjoyed playing football, video games, and spending time with the people he loved.
In the hours before his death on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Mehki, a 24-year-old man, spent time with friends at Norfolk State University's homecoming festivities. His mentor, Cameron Bertrand, recalled their time together, saying, "It felt like God was giving us time together before we even knew what could have happened." For those who knew him, Mehki was easy to love, lived life to the fullest, and always tried to lift the spirits of those around him.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, the joy of the previous day turned to tragedy. At approximately 12:30 a.m., Norfolk Police officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Little Creek Road for a report of a person who had been shot. When they arrived, they discovered Mehki on the side of a building at 855 E. Little Creek Road, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders, Mehki was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Norfolk Police Department is actively investigating the shooting as a homicide. Authorities have released few details about the circumstances that led to Mehki's death and have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest. Detectives are continuing to seek information from the public to piece together the events of that fatal morning. The investigation remains ongoing as of late October 2026.
The loss of Mehki has been a devastating blow to his family and the Newport News community. His mentor, Cameron Bertrand, a gun violence survivor himself and CEO of a violence intervention organization, spoke about the difficulty of processing the loss. "Not only did he live life to the fullest, he kept a smile on his face and did everything he could to make us smile," Bertrand said. "I think that's the part of a lot of us that we're still in disbelief." He noted that Mehki's death reopened wounds for many, as another of Mehki's friends had been killed in a shooting years prior.
Mehki is survived by his loving mother, Tanisha Teachey; his fathers, Michael Teachey and Terence Wynne; his sisters, Kiera and Makayla; and his brother, Michael, as well as a large extended family and countless friends. A service to celebrate his life was held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Calvary Community Church in Hampton. His family remembers his bold spirit, his humor, and the genuine love he shared so freely. Though his time was short, the impact he made on those who knew him will endure.
The case remains unsolved. Norfolk police urge anyone with information about the shooting of Mehki Teachey to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app.
