In the early evening of March 15, 2021, a burst of gunfire shattered the routine of Indian River Road, leaving a young man's life tragically cut short. Lavontae Tae Sharron Johnson, a 23-year-old male from Chesapeake, Virginia, was fatally wounded in a double shooting that unfolded near the boundary line between Norfolk and Chesapeake. The incident occurred around 6:53 p.m. in the 2400 block of East Indian River Road.
When police arrived, they discovered a vehicle in the westbound lane with two occupants.
Inside the car, Lavontae Johnson had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual in the vehicle was also struck by the gunfire but survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The day after the shooting would have been Johnson's 24th birthday, a celebration that was instead replaced with mourning for his family and loved ones. He was remembered as a family man with a heart of gold who left behind a daughter.
The Chesapeake Police Department took the lead on the investigation into the homicide. In the immediate aftermath, authorities appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the individuals responsible for the shooting. Investigators believed another vehicle was involved in the incident. However, despite the pleas for community assistance and the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been announced in the case.
As time has passed, the search for answers and justice for Lavontae Johnson continues. His family has publicly grieved and urged for an end to gun violence, left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a young life. The case remains an open investigation, and authorities have not released any information about potential suspects or the motive behind the deadly shooting. The community has been asked to contact the Crime Line with any information that might help solve the case.
