In the early morning hours of July 30, 2022, the life of 19-year-old Ja’Quise De’Juan Beard was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire on the 700 block of Stokes Street in Danville, Virginia. Responding to a call about a shooting at approximately 3:48 AM, Danville Police officers discovered Beard on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was a male native of Danville. Emergency medical treatment was administered at the scene before he was rushed to the SOVAH Danville Emergency Room, where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a harrowing sequence of events. Beard, in the company of a 24-year-old female, was standing in front of a residence when a vehicle approached. Multiple rounds were fired from the vehicle towards them. The hail of bullets struck Beard, inflicting the fatal injury. The female companion also sustained a gunshot wound, though her injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and she was transported for medical care. Authorities have stated that they believe the attack was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted incident.
In the wake of the deadly shooting, the Danville Police Department's Investigative Bureau launched a full-scale homicide investigation. Detectives and crime scene investigators descended upon Stokes Street, canvassing the area for evidence and seeking to piece together the moments that led to the shooting. To date, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Ja’Quise De’Juan Beard. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have made public appeals for assistance, urging any citizens who may have video surveillance footage from the area of Stokes Street and its surroundings to come forward. They are also seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the event or possesses any knowledge about the individuals responsible for this violent act. A cash reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the death of the young man. The community has been encouraged to share any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, through various channels, including calling the police department or using the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line.
