In the quiet evening of February 11, 2023, the life of 17-year-old Jordan Harris-Snipes, a Black male, was tragically cut short. A senior at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia, Jordan had told his father he was going to a family-friendly venue. Instead, he ended up at a party in the 4000 block of Cedar Lane in neighboring Portsmouth. As Jordan and his friends were getting out of their car, two sedans, one light-colored and one dark-colored, drove by.
Gunfire erupted from one of the vehicles, with approximately 15 rounds being discharged in a sudden and violent drive-by shooting.
Struck by the gunfire, Jordan sustained critical injuries. His father later recounted the frantic moments he heard over the phone as people at the scene tried to apply pressure to the wound, desperately trying to save him before paramedics could arrive. Rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, medical staff performed heroic measures to save the young man's life. Despite their efforts, Jordan Harris-Snipes succumbed to his injuries the following day, February 12, 2023. His family recalled that even in his final moments, after being taken off a ventilator, he fought for another hour until his family was present, and tears fell from his eyes before he passed.
In the months that followed, the investigation into Jordan's murder has been met with frustration and a painful silence for his grieving family. The Portsmouth Police Department's Major Crimes Unit is handling the case, but investigators have been unable to get suspect descriptions from witnesses at the scene. As of late 2024, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved. Jordan's parents, Leah Harris and Marcus Snipes, have spoken out about their agonizing wait for answers and justice, expressing fear that their son's case has fallen through the cracks. They remember their son, who had eight brothers and three sisters, as a kind, selfless, and respectful young man who wanted to be a park ranger and a veterinarian. Detectives continue to ask for anyone with information regarding the two sedans or the shooting to come forward.
