In the early morning hours of Halloween in 2015, a dispute that began inside a Norfolk, Virginia bar tragically spilled out into the street, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Quintin L. Cuffee. The male victim was discovered suffering from a gunshot wound in the 1500 block of Hemlock Street shortly after 2:15 a.m. on October 31, 2015. He was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he ultimately died from his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the
incident stemmed from an argument that started at the nearby Scandals bar on East Princess Anne Road. Witnesses reported that Troy L. Smith, then 28 years old, confronted Cuffee, accusing him of spreading rumors about his sexuality. The argument escalated, and according to witness statements, Smith was seen sending a text message to have a gun brought to him. Soon after, a gunshot was fired, and Cuffee was struck.
Following the shooting, Troy L. Smith fled the scene. Norfolk Police detectives quickly identified him as the suspect and secured warrants for his arrest. He was charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Two other individuals were also injured during the incident.
During the court proceedings, Smith claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that Cuffee had first pulled a gun on him, a claim that was disputed by witness testimony. Ultimately, Smith accepted a plea agreement. The second-degree murder charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter, and the other felony charges were dropped. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
