In the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, the life of 44-year-old Bradley Kristoffer Kortbawi, a Caucasian male, was tragically cut short in the Ghent area of Norfolk, Virginia. A former U.S. Marine and a father, Kortbawi was known for his generous spirit and vibrant personality. On that particular night, he was acting as a designated driver for friends, ensuring their safe return home after a night out.
The fatal encounter occurred around 1:20 a.m. in the 1800 block of Core Avenue.
Kortbawi was engaged in a conversation with two friends outside an apartment building when they were approached by a neighbor, Vandes Jackson, who was 56 at the time. Jackson confronted the group, alleging that he had overheard one of them use a racial slur, a claim that Kortbawi and his friends denied.
The situation escalated with horrifying speed. As Kortbawi turned his head, Jackson produced a firearm and shot him at point-blank range in the temple. The wound was instantly fatal, and Kortbawi was pronounced dead at the scene. In the immediate aftermath, when a witness expressed shock, Jackson reportedly responded, 'Then call the police,' before walking away.
Norfolk Police responded to the scene and quickly apprehended Vandes Jackson, who was taken into custody without incident. He was initially charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm. These charges were later upgraded by a grand jury to first-degree murder. The investigation revealed that Jackson had called 911 before the shooting to complain about the alleged slur, and the operator had advised him against confronting the group. He called 911 again after the shooting to report that he had shot someone.
Vandes Jackson stood trial for the murder of Bradley Kortbawi. In September 2025, a jury deliberated for a short time before finding him guilty of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of that felony. In December 2025, a judge sentenced Jackson to 40 years in prison, with an additional five years suspended.
