In the autumn of 2015, the life of a young Norfolk man who was striving for a better future was tragically cut short. On the evening of October 5, 2015, 21-year-old Travis S. Whitaker, a Black male, was found lying in the roadway at the intersection of Manson Street and Wilson Road in the Campostella neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, the victim of a fatal shooting. Emergency services were called to the 1400 block of Manson Street around 9:30 p.m. for a report of a gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, they discovered Whitaker suffering from a gunshot wound; he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Known affectionately as 'Travo,' Whitaker was remembered by his family as a goofy and lovable person who was dedicated to his young son. His aunt, who raised him, and his cousin spoke of their profound loss, recalling him as a family man who enjoyed his work cooking and cleaning at a local nightclub. In the period leading up to his death, Whitaker had been actively trying to turn his life around after a previous incarceration for burglary and was focused on providing for his child.
Despite the passage of years, the homicide of Travis Whitaker remains unsolved, and no arrests have ever been made in connection with his death. The Norfolk Police Department has stated that while they received the same name repeatedly from various sources during their investigation, they have not been able to gather enough evidence to secure an arrest. The case is now considered a cold case, but detectives continue to seek new information that could lead to a breakthrough. Whitaker's family continues to mourn their loss and hopes that someone will come forward with the information needed to bring his killer to justice.
