In the early hours of March 15, 2000, the quiet of a Virginia Beach neighborhood was broken by a grim discovery. James Dejarnette Jr., a 29-year-old Black male, was found deceased by his roommate inside their residence in the 1500 block of New York Avenue. An investigation by the State Medical Examiner's Office would later confirm that Dejarnette died from a gunshot wound, and his death was officially ruled a homicide.
Known affectionately as 'DeJay,' James was a beloved figure in his community. He was active in his church, where he sang in the gospel choir, and dedicated his time to running before- and after-school programs for local children. The last time anyone is known to have spoken with him was at approximately 9:35 p.m. on the evening of March 14, 2000, when he was on the phone with a friend.
Investigators found that some items had been stolen from the home, pointing to robbery as a potential motive for the tragic event. Adding to the mystery, Dejarnette's vehicle was discovered abandoned a short distance from his home about a week after the murder.
For years, the case remained cold. However, in 2009, a renewed effort by detectives brought a new lead to light. A witness came forward, claiming to have seen someone getting into Dejarnette's car with him outside a 7-Eleven convenience store just hours before he was found dead. The individual was described as a Black male in his early twenties, standing about five feet nine inches tall, weighing around one hundred ninety pounds, and having very short hair. This person was deemed a person of interest, as he may have been the last one to see Dejarnette alive. Despite this development, authorities were never able to locate the man. As of early 2025, the murder of James Dejarnette Jr. remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made in connection with his death.
