In the summer of 2018, a life full of promise was tragically cut short in Hampton, Virginia. Avary Pope-Moore, an 18-year-old male, was killed on what was supposed to be a day of celebration – his own birthday. On the evening of July 29, within the confines of a residence on Salem Street, an argument escalated to a fatal confrontation.
Just before 6 p.m., emergency services received a call about a shooting.
When police arrived, they found Avary Pope-Moore inside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The young man, who was known to enjoy music, basketball, and spending quality time with his family, particularly his nieces and nephews, was pronounced dead. He had attended Hampton City Schools and was described as a caring and funny individual.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a suspect. Later that same day, Hampton Police arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the death of Avary Pope-Moore. The preliminary investigation suggested that the two teenagers were involved in an altercation that led to the suspect brandishing a firearm and shooting Avary.
The juvenile suspect, whose name was not publicly released, faced a series of serious charges. These included one count of murder, one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, one count of possession of a firearm by a minor, and one count of shooting within an occupied dwelling. The community was left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of a young man on the cusp of adulthood, a life extinguished in a moment of conflict.
