In the spring of 2017, just two days before he was to celebrate his 18th birthday, the life of 17-year-old Deshawn Spencer was tragically cut short. On the night of April 24th, Deshawn, a male described by his family as a sweet and loving teenager, was fatally shot in Norfolk, Virginia. The incident occurred in the 1500 block of Wilson Road, right outside his family’s home in the Campostella neighborhood where he had grown up.
He was in the company of his girlfriend, brother, and friends when the sound of gunfire pierced the night air. His mother was inside their home at the time and heard the shots that ended her son's life. Deshawn was a caring son who helped his mother, who was on dialysis, by cooking and cleaning for her. His family had been planning to celebrate his upcoming birthday at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Deshawn was quickly transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Norfolk Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the homicide, seeking information from the public to help identify who was responsible for the senseless act of violence. The community was left to mourn the loss of a young man who was well-known and loved in his neighborhood.
The investigation led detectives to a suspect, 18-year-old Akail J. Allen. At the time he was identified as the suspected shooter, Allen was already incarcerated at the Norfolk City Jail on unrelated charges. In connection with Deshawn Spencer’s death, Allen was charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and gang participation. Following the charges, he remained held at the Norfolk City Jail without bond. The arrest brought a measure of progress in the case, though it could not undo the profound loss felt by Deshawn's family and friends.
