On a summer night in Newport News, Virginia, the life of a young man was tragically cut short. Darntrell Marque Belle, a 22-year-old Black / African American male known for his playful and loving nature, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on July 21, 2012. The incident occurred in the 700 block of 36th Street, a location that would become the final chapter of his life. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, on July 22, 2012.
His death left his family, friends, and the wider community in a state of shock and mourning.
Born on March 21, 1990, Darntrell had attended schools in both Newport News and Hampton. He was remembered by those who knew him as someone who always brought smiles to the faces of those around him. The sudden and violent end to his life was a devastating blow to his loved ones, who cherished the memory of his joyful spirit. His death became one of several homicides to plague Newport News in what was a particularly violent year for the city.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to a suspect. Authorities identified 19-year-old Tyrek LaQuann 'Spanky' Allen, also from Newport News, as the individual responsible for Darntrell Belle's death. Allen was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. At the time of the homicide, investigators from both Newport News and Hampton were seeking Allen in connection with other violent crimes, including another shooting in Hampton that occurred earlier on the same day as Darntrell's death, and a triple shooting that had taken place in Newport News months prior. The arrest brought a measure of progress to the case, though it did little to ease the pain of a family grieving the loss of a young man taken too soon.
