In the early morning hours of November 5, 2016, a tragic event unfolded in Norfolk, Virginia, that cut short the life of 25-year-old Michael A. Raether. A white male, Raether was a dedicated sailor in the United States Navy, having served for three years and stationed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. Originally from Somerset, Kentucky, he was a husband and a father, whose life was taken on the very day his son turned three years old.
Just before 3:00 a.m., Norfolk dispatchers received a
call about a possible gunshot victim in the 7800 block of Ogden Avenue. When police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Raether suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, but tragically, his injuries proved to be fatal. The preliminary investigation by the Norfolk Police Department revealed that Raether was the victim of an attempted robbery. During the commission of this crime, the assailant shot him and then fled the scene.
The Norfolk police initiated a homicide investigation into Raether's death, seeking to bring the person responsible to justice. The suspect was described as a Black male with a light complexion, last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the profound impact his death had on his community and fellow sailors, the case has grown cold. No arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Michael Raether, and his killer remains at large. The Naval Air Force Atlantic expressed its condolences to his family, friends, and shipmates, remembering a man who was dedicated to serving his country.
