In the early evening of February 10, 2019, the life of 40-year-old Reggie G. Dixon, a Black male from Portsmouth, Virginia, was tragically cut short. Police responded to a 911 call around 5:15 p.m. in the 1100 block of Queen Street. Upon arrival, they discovered Dixon with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene, turning a quiet street into the scene of a homicide investigation.
The Portsmouth Police Department's Major Crimes Unit promptly began
an investigation into the shooting. Their efforts quickly led to a significant development in the case. A few days later, on February 13, 2019, authorities arrested 38-year-old Terrance Washington, also of Portsmouth, in connection with Dixon's death. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between various police units and community cooperation.
Terrance Washington was initially charged with first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. As the case proceeded through the legal system, Washington pleaded guilty. His first-degree murder charge was later amended to second-degree murder. In August 2021, a judge sentenced Washington to 25 years in prison, with 8 years suspended. This left him with 17 years to serve, followed by 5 years of supervised probation, bringing a measure of closure to the violent death of Reggie Dixon.
