On a Friday night in Virginia Beach, Virginia, 24-year-old Jamel Alexander Knight, a Black male, was at an event at the Carriage House Apartments on Coach Drive. While outside one of the homes on March 17, 2014, he was approached by two individuals. One of them produced a firearm and shot Knight, ending his life. The initial investigation by police was met with uncertainty regarding the identity of the two people involved or the motive behind the shooting.
Following the homicide, the Virginia Beach Police Department began an investigation that would lead to the identification of three suspects. Tramon LaQuan Lane, who was 20 years old at the time, Hakeem Kwame Smith, then 18, and 19-year-old Anthony Mark Devonta Hill were all arrested in connection with the murder of Jamel Knight. The three men were subsequently held at the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility without bond as the legal process against them commenced.
The case against the three suspects moved forward, and they were each indicted on serious charges related to the death of Jamel Knight. Anthony Mark Hill was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm, and conspiracy. Tramon Laquan Lane faced indictments for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of using a firearm, and conspiracy. Hakeem Kwame Smith was also indicted on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm, and conspiracy. The setting of court dates was to follow these indictments.
