In the late hours of a November evening in Portsmouth, Virginia, a grim discovery was made that would unravel a tragic story of violence. On November 18, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., emergency services responded to a call about a dumpster fire behind the Bethel Worship Center on Pepperwood Court. After firefighters extinguished the flames, the charred remains of a human body were found inside.
The victim was later identified as 45-year-old Kurtis Lee Watson, a male resident of the city.
An autopsy would later reveal the horrifying details of Watson's death. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head, back, thigh, and foot, indicating that he was deceased before the fire was set. The Portsmouth Police Department quickly classified his death as a homicide and launched a full investigation. At the scene, detectives discovered a spent cartridge casing and bloodstains near the dumpster, suggesting the shooting may have occurred right there.
The investigation brought to light some potential leads. Surveillance footage from a nearby home captured two unidentified individuals walking near the church around ten minutes before the 911 call was made. One of the individuals appeared to be carrying a bag. Despite this, police have not yet identified or charged any suspects in the case. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information regarding Watson's whereabouts before his death or any other details about the incident. The Major Crimes Unit is actively pursuing all leads in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Kurtis Lee Watson.
