In the typically quiet, family-oriented neighborhood of Colony Oaks in Virginia Beach, a sudden burst of violence shattered the evening calm on November 5, 2022. Responding to reports of gunshots in the 4600 block of Staghorn Drive, police discovered 21-year-old Richard Lamont Cantey inside a sedan, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, the young man from Norfolk succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Friends and family knew him as 'Rick Rock,' a vibrant personality with a love for basketball and a burgeoning music career. His untimely death left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
The investigation into the shooting quickly gained momentum. A neighbor recounted hearing three pops and a woman's desperate screams for help before running outside to find Cantey wounded in the car. This eyewitness account, coupled with diligent police work, led to significant progress in the case within days. The Virginia Beach Police Department arrested two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, in connection with the fatal shooting. The identities of the suspects were withheld due to their juvenile status, and both were taken to the Virginia Beach Juvenile Detention Center.
The arrests brought to light the alleged motive behind the tragic event. The 17-year-old suspect was charged with felony murder, attempted robbery, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The 15-year-old faced charges of felony murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The shocking revelation that two teenagers were allegedly involved in such a violent crime sent ripples of disbelief and sadness through the community, sparking conversations about youth violence and the need for greater intervention and support for at-risk young people. The case now moves through the justice system, while a family and community continue to mourn the loss of a young life cut short.
