In the early morning hours of July 24, 2021, the life of 39-year-old Leroy Clyburn Jr. was tragically cut short in Newport News, Virginia. Police responded to a call about a shooting at approximately 2:23 a.m. in the 1000 block of 23rd Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered Clyburn suffering from a serious gunshot wound near the corner of Orcutt Avenue.
He was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the death of the male victim led Newport News police to identify a suspect. Linwood Lee Perkins Jr., a 45-year-old resident of Newport News, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. The arrest brought a significant development to the case, offering a path towards justice for Clyburn's family and the community. Perkins was subsequently taken into custody and held at the Newport News City Jail.
Following his arrest, Linwood Lee Perkins Jr. faced a series of serious charges. These included second-degree murder for the killing of Leroy Clyburn Jr. In addition to the murder charge, Perkins was also charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon, reckless handling of a firearm, and shooting a firearm in a public place. These charges reflected the violent nature of the crime that led to Clyburn's untimely death. A memorial service to honor his memory was held at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel on July 31, 2021.
