In the early morning hours of September 3, 2023, the life of 24-year-old Precious L. McClendon was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting in Norfolk, Virginia. The incident unfolded around 12:55 a.m. near the intersection of E. Brambleton Avenue and Church Street, a typically busy area not far from downtown Norfolk. When police officers arrived at the scene in the 700 block of Church Street, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
McClendon was pronounced dead at the scene. A 51-year-old man was also found with serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation into the double shooting led authorities to identify a suspect, 41-year-old Curtis G. Smith. A joint effort between the Norfolk Police and U.S. Marshals resulted in Smith's arrest on September 5th in the 4500 block of W. Military Highway in the neighboring city of Chesapeake. Smith was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of use of a firearm in connection with the shooting. He was held without bond.
Further investigation revealed a prior altercation between Smith and McClendon. On June 30, 2023, just over two months before the fatal shooting, Smith had confronted McClendon in the 800 block of Wide Street over an alleged $15 debt. During this encounter, Smith assaulted McClendon. When another man intervened, an argument ensued, and Smith reportedly pulled out a gun and fired at the man, who then returned fire. McClendon was struck in the ankle by a stray bullet during this exchange. McClendon had identified Smith to the police as her assailant in the June incident. Smith was arrested for the assault and firearm-related felonies but was granted bail in August 2023 over the Commonwealth's objection. It was argued by the Commonwealth that the motive for the fatal shooting was to prevent McClendon from testifying about the earlier incident.
Curtis G. Smith's case proceeded to a bench trial where the surviving male victim from the September shooting, despite being paralyzed and bed-bound as a result of his injuries, testified against him. Smith was found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of those felonies, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. For these crimes, he received a sentence of two life terms plus 13 years in prison.
