In the city of Newport News, Virginia, a promising young life was tragically cut short on December 2, 2011. Christopher Ravon Southerland, a 16-year-old male, was found shot to death in the backyard of a residence in the 3300 block of Roanoke Avenue. A dedicated student at Heritage High School, he was known for his hard work and maintaining above-average grades. His sudden and violent death sent ripples of grief and shock through his family and the wider community.
The investigation into the death of Christopher Southerland was immediately treated as a homicide. According to detectives, it is believed he was running from his assailants when he was fatally shot. Despite the efforts of the Newport News Police Department, the case grew cold over the years. Investigators have indicated they know the general location of where the shooters were standing and the number of times the teenager was shot, but a lack of forthcoming witnesses has hindered progress in the case.
To date, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the murder of Christopher Ravon Southerland. Law enforcement officials have expressed the belief that the individuals responsible for his death may also be linked to at least two other homicides. The case remains an open and active investigation within the Newport News Police Department's Cold Case Unit, with his family still seeking justice and closure for their loss.
