In the winter of 2015, a life was tragically cut short in Newport News, Virginia. Cody Clarence Kelly, a 20-year-old male from Hampton, died on January 31, 2015, following a shooting incident at the Microtel Inn on Operations Drive, located near Patrick Henry Mall. Friends and family would later gather to remember a young life lost, holding a vigil in his honor.
The circumstances surrounding Kelly's death were described as a tragic accident born from recklessness.
Inside a hotel room, Kelly and his friend, 19-year-old Tyjuan Lamont Blockett, were reportedly playing with firearms. Witnesses stated they were engaged in a challenge to see who could draw their weapon the fastest. During this ill-fated game, Blockett's gun discharged, striking Kelly in the upper torso. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, Tyjuan Lamont Blockett was taken into custody by the Newport News police. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and two firearms-related offenses in connection with Kelly's death. Court records indicated that just before the fatal shot, Blockett had been waving his gun and dancing. Though he initially denied his involvement, the evidence led to the charges against him. The case was certified by a judge and moved to a circuit court grand jury for further legal proceedings.
