In the summer of 2018, a drug transaction in downtown Newport News, Virginia, turned fatal, claiming the life of 31-year-old Javon Stephenson. On July 26th, Stephenson, a male, traveled from Virginia Beach to meet with Damontaze Montrell Tillery for a prearranged trade of a firearm for ecstasy. During the encounter, Tillery shot and killed Stephenson.
Following the shooting, Stephenson's vehicle, with his foot still on the accelerator, continued to run, the tires spinning until a
bystander intervened and turned off the ignition. An off-duty Newport News firefighter, noticing smoke from the car, approached to investigate and discovered Stephenson with a gunshot wound to his chest. Emergency services were alerted, but Stephenson was pronounced dead at the scene. He was found to be unarmed and still in possession of the ecstasy he intended to trade.
The investigation into the murder led authorities to Damontaze Montrell Tillery, a 24-year-old Hampton man with a history of gang affiliation and prior felony convictions that prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. Tillery was subsequently arrested and brought to trial.
In January 2020, Damontaze Tillery was sentenced to life in prison for his role in Javon Stephenson's death. His conviction included charges for the use of a firearm resulting in death, drug conspiracy, attempted possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The successful prosecution was a collaborative effort between the ATF and the Newport News Police Department, bringing a close to the case.
