In the early morning hours of August 11, 2024, a violent altercation inside a Newport News, Virginia, apartment tragically cut short the life of 41-year-old Wayne McMillan. The male victim was discovered by police suffering from a gunshot wound at the Heritage Forest Apartments on Forest Lake Court after they responded to reports of an argument and shots fired around 4:30 a.m.
McMillan was rushed to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The incident, which authorities have described as domestic-related, unfolded within the residence of McMillan's own mother. According to court documents, she reported hearing a 'tussling' and 'arguing' between her son and another man behind a locked door. Her attempts to intervene were met with a terrifying plea from her son, who screamed that his leg was broken and that he was going to be killed. Shortly after, the sound of a window shattering was followed by at least four gunshots.
Responding officers apprehended a suspect at the scene without incident. The individual was identified as 31-year-old Cintel Kelley, who was later confirmed to be McMillan's nephew. A firearm was recovered from a nearby dresser. Kelley, a six-time convicted felon, was arrested and is facing a litany of charges in connection with his uncle's death.
The charges brought against Cintel Kelley include first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon, discharging a firearm within an occupied dwelling, and reckless handling of a firearm. He is currently being held at the Newport News City Jail without bond. The death of Wayne McMillan marked the third domestic-related homicide in the city of Newport News in 2024, prompting the city's police chief to publicly address the serious issue of domestic violence and encourage those in dangerous situations to seek help.
