In a quiet neighborhood in Hampton, Virginia, the life of 19-year-old William Marquis Hedgepeth Jr., a Black male, was tragically cut short on June 8, 2023. Known affectionately as 'Will' and 'Boodah' to his family and friends, Hedgepeth was fatally shot inside a home in the first block of Rotherham Lane. Emergency services responded to the scene to find him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A graduate of Hampton High School, he was remembered by loved ones as a quiet, friendly, loving, and caring individual whose untimely death left a profound void in the community.
The investigation into the shooting swiftly moved forward as Hampton police detectives began to piece together the events of that day. Surveillance footage from the area proved to be a critical piece of evidence, capturing the suspect, armed with a gun, fleeing the scene. Another camera recorded a vehicle leaving the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators located the driver of the vehicle, a juvenile who was present inside the home during the incident. The driver identified the shooter as Jaden Pollock, who was 16 years old at the time of the offense. Further investigation revealed that Pollock had sent a text message to the juvenile witness, apologizing that he had to witness the victim being 'headtapped.'
This crucial information led to the arrest of Jaden Pollock. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, maliciously shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18. Following his conviction on these charges, Pollock was sentenced to a total of 53 years and 12 months in prison. However, 30 years and 12 months of the sentence were suspended, resulting in an active prison term of 23 years for the young man who took the life of William Hedgepeth Jr.
