In the winter of 2024, a promising young life was abruptly cut short in Hampton, Virginia. Vic’Quan Destin-Thazir Newton, a 17-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on the evening of January 22nd. The incident unfolded around 7:16 p.m. in the 300 block of Michigan Drive, where multiple gunshots rang out. Struck by the gunfire, Newton attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle. However, he lost control and crashed into a ditch near the intersection of LaSalle Avenue and Armistead Avenue.
He was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Vic’Quan was a senior at Hampton High School, a student-athlete with a bright future. He had already received acceptance letters from several universities, including Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and James Madison University, with aspirations of studying business. Beyond his academic and athletic pursuits, he was a budding entrepreneur, having started his own clothing line. He had recently relocated to Hampton to live with his older brother and sister-in-law.
As of late 2024, no arrests have been made in connection with Vic’Quan's death, and the case remains an open investigation. His mother, Viccarra Coker, has been a vocal advocate for justice, pleading with the community for anyone with information to come forward. The Hampton community has shown an outpouring of support for his family, holding candlelight vigils and other memorial events to honor his memory and call for an end to gun violence. Despite the passage of time, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects in the shooting. The Hampton Police Division continues to encourage anyone with information to contact them or the Crime Line.
