In the early hours of April 29, 2023, a shooting shattered the quiet at the intersection of 17th Street and Terminal Avenue in Newport News, Virginia. Responding to the call at approximately 2:14 a.m., police officers discovered Larry 'Duck' Leroy Wallace, a 40-year-old Black male, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Affectionately known as 'Duck' to his friends and family, Larry Wallace was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 17, 1983. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing with his wife and children, grilling for his family, and enthusiastically cheering on his sons at their football games. A dedicated stocker at Food Lion, he was known as a laid-back and helpful person, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He was also an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins.
Following an investigation into the homicide, the Newport News Police Department identified a suspect. On June 9, 2023, authorities arrested 38-year-old Dontreal Mattocks, a resident of Newport News, in connection with Wallace's death. The arrest was made without incident. Mattocks was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a violent convicted felon.
