In the early hours of a Sunday morning at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a life was tragically cut short. Divon Tyrek Beckwith-Hall, a 24-year-old man, was found by police around 1:30 a.m. on January 13, 2013, in a parking lot on 19th Street after reports of gunfire echoed through the area. An argument that began inside a nightclub is believed to have escalated and spilled out into the parking lot, leading to the fatal shooting.
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Divon had made
a life for himself in Virginia Beach. He was a graduate of Ocean Lakes High School, class of 2007, and was employed as a forklift driver for the Pepsi Company. At the time of his death, he was also a student at Tidewater Community College. Known as a peacemaker who was loyal, honest, and caring, Divon was looking forward to a bright future. He was engaged to be married the following month to his high school sweetheart.
Following the incident, two men from Hampton were arrested in connection with Divon's death. Alonzo Eddie Phelps, 33, and Damian Lamar Dennis, 26, were taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Both men were charged with murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The authorities did not immediately release specific details about the nature of the dispute that led to the deadly encounter.
Divon was remembered by his family as a wonderful son, brother, grandson, and fiancé. His loved ones, while grieving their profound loss, chose to also celebrate the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him during his all too brief time.
