In the late hours of a Monday night in Newport News, Virginia, the life of 13-year-old Lutrell Deontae Kittles, a young male, was tragically cut short by gunfire. On May 27, 2013, Lutrell found himself outside the Quick Save Food Mart on Chestnut Avenue when violence erupted. Police were called to the scene around 11 p.m. following reports of shots being fired in the area.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered a chaotic scene.
A 17-year-old was found outside the convenience store with multiple gunshot wounds. A short distance away, at the intersection of 25th Street and Oak Avenue, they found Lutrell, who had sustained a single gunshot wound. Both teenagers were rushed to a local hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Lutrell Deontae Kittles succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:43 p.m.
The investigation into the shooting suggested that both teenagers were together outside the store when the shooting occurred. Evidence markers at the scene indicated that numerous shots had been fired. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement had not identified any suspects and the motive for the shooting remained unclear. To date, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in the murder of Lutrell Deontae Kittles. His case is listed among the unsolved homicides in Newport News, leaving a family and a community still searching for answers and justice for the young life lost.
