On a late Saturday night in Portsmouth, Virginia, the life of 32-year-old Darrio “Ju Ju” Mundon was tragically cut short. On November 12, 2023, Mundon was simply walking through a grassy field near a playground in the 1100 block of Virginia Avenue when he unwittingly found himself in the middle of a gun battle. Two groups of men had begun shooting at each other in the London Oaks apartment complex, and a stray bullet struck the innocent bystander.
When police arrived around 11:30 p.m., they discovered Mundon's body in the field; he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Family members described Mundon as a loving son, brother, father, and nephew who was the life of any party and had a go-getter attitude. He was a caregiver for his grandmother and was remembered as a light in his family. His death was a devastating blow to his mother, as he was her last living child after his brother had previously died from leukemia. The senseless act of violence left his family heartbroken and his young daughter without a father.
The Portsmouth Police Department swiftly launched an investigation, utilizing surveillance footage and assistance from the community to identify multiple individuals involved in the shootout. Authorities announced that four people had been charged in connection with Mundon's death. The charges for the suspects included second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and reckless handling of a firearm. Among those charged was 17-year-old Ja'marion Williams, who was also connected to other shootings in the area.
Ja'Marion Williams was arrested and stood trial for his role in the shooting. Surveillance video served as a critical piece of evidence, showing Williams running with a firearm through the area where shell casings were later found. In July 2025, a jury found Williams guilty of voluntary manslaughter, possession of a handgun by a person under 18, and felony reckless handling of a firearm. He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the death of Darrio Mundon.
