On the evening of January 27, 2024, in Newport News, Virginia, a burst of gunfire shattered the night, leading to the tragic death of 38-year-old Jave Irvin Edwards. Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of 35th Street around 7:49 p.m. after a ShotSpotter activation alerted them to the shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Edwards outside, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
He was rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he succumbed to them shortly after.
The Newport News Police Department quickly launched a homicide investigation into the shooting of the male victim. Within a couple of days, their investigation led them to identify a suspect in the case. On January 29, 2024, authorities announced they had secured warrants for the arrest of 39-year-old Paul Joseph Mulleano, a resident of Newport News. The charges against Mulleano were severe, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and other weapons-related offenses.
In the days following the incident, the police actively searched for Mulleano, who was also known by the alias 'Goo-Goo.' He was described as a Black male with hazel eyes, approximately 5'11' tall, and weighing around 145 pounds, and he may have had pink and black braids at the time. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jave Irvin Edwards continued as authorities sought to bring the suspect to justice. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on the community.
