In the fading light of a late March evening, the sound of gunfire shattered the calm in a Newport News neighborhood, leaving a community in mourning and a family searching for answers. On March 24, 2023, at approximately 8:31 p.m., police responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 1100 block of 25th Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered a man lying outside, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. The victim was identified as 59-year-old John Vorice Claud, a male resident of Newport News.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Born on January 26, 1964, to Lionel and Fannie Kearse Claud, John was a product of the Newport News public school system and had worked as a laborer in various positions. His sudden and violent death sent ripples of shock and sorrow through his community. Friends and family were left to grapple with the senseless loss of a man they described as loved by many who knew him.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Newport News Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Detectives canvassed the area for evidence and witnesses, working to piece together the events that led to Claud's death. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and police have not publicly identified any suspects or discussed a potential motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. They have specifically requested that tips be submitted to the anonymous Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or online through P3Tips.com, with the possibility of a reward for information that leads to an arrest.
