In the quiet evening of November 1, 2024, in Mappsville, Virginia, the life of 43-year-old Maurice Anthony Holden of Melfa was tragically cut short. Known affectionately as 'Reese' by his loved ones, he was a man remembered for his jovial spirit and for being the family comedian, always keeping those around him laughing. His life, however, came to a violent end in the parking lot of a Dollar General store on Lankford Highway.
That evening, as Holden was leaving the store, an altercation
unfolded. Jamal Anthony Samuel, a 45-year-old man from New Church, who was a passenger in a car that had just pulled up, reportedly threw a bottle at Holden. After placing his purchases in his car, Holden approached Samuel. It was then that Samuel discharged a firearm multiple times, striking Holden. First responders arrived at approximately 7:26 p.m. to find Holden unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner's Office to determine the official cause of death.
The Accomack County Sheriff's Office quickly launched an investigation. Through witness accounts and surveillance footage, they identified Jamal Anthony Samuel as the suspect. Warrants were issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody without incident the following day. Samuel was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Court records indicated that Samuel had a prior conviction for grand theft and use of a firearm in 2009 and was known to be affiliated with a street gang.
In April 2025, an Accomack Grand Jury indicted Samuel on the charges. During his trial, Samuel claimed he acted in self-defense, believing Holden was armed. However, the prosecution argued there was no evidence to support this claim, noting that Holden's hands were not in his pockets when he was shot, including twice in the back. In July 2025, a jury convicted Samuel of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, as well as the firearm charges. In November 2025, a judge sentenced Jamal Anthony Samuel to a total of 18 years in prison: ten years for voluntary manslaughter, three years for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and five years for possession of a firearm by a felon, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
