In the quiet early hours of a new year, tragedy struck in Newport News, Virginia, forever altering the lives of a local family. Jalon Romell Wright, an 18-year-old male, was fatally wounded on January 3, 2016, in what would become the city's first homicide of the year. Remembered affectionately by friends and family as 'Lotto,' Jalon was known for his infectious laughter and kind heart.
He was a student at Denbigh High School with passions for cooking, swimming, and fashion.
On that fateful night, Jalon was in the backyard of a home on Turnberry Boulevard when the peace was shattered by the sound of gunfire. A dark-colored vehicle drove past the residence, and an occupant or occupants fired multiple shots towards the house. Neighbors reported hearing as many as eight gunshots in rapid succession. Inside the home, Jalon was discovered suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, was pronounced dead at 2:35 a.m.
The investigation into Jalon's death has been ongoing, yet details about a motive or potential suspects have remained elusive to the public. It has not been made clear by authorities whether Jalon was the intended target of the shooting. Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been announced in connection with the murder of Jalon Wright, and his case remains an unsolved homicide. The community continues to await answers and seek justice for the young life that was cut short.
