On a cold January night in 1994, Newport News Police Officer Steven Robert Rutherford, a 28-year-old male, embarked on a dangerous undercover assignment that would tragically be his last. He was posing as a pizza delivery driver in an attempt to put a stop to a series of robberies that had been plaguing local delivery people. This particular sting operation, however, was later criticized as being poorly planned and hastily executed.
While carrying out the ruse in the area of Thorncliff Drive, Officer Rutherford was ambushed by a group of young men intent on robbery.
During the confrontation, as Rutherford was complying with their demands to lie on the ground, his jacket shifted, revealing the firearm he carried. One of the assailants, upon seeing the weapon, opened fire, striking the officer. Despite his injuries, Officer Rutherford heroically pursued his attackers for a considerable distance before collapsing. His partner, who had been positioned in the delivery vehicle, returned fire as the suspects fled. Tragically, Officer Rutherford was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into his murder led to the swift apprehension of four teenage suspects.
The subsequent legal proceedings brought convictions and significant prison sentences for those involved in the death of Officer Steven Robert Rutherford. Nephus Stanley, identified as the shooter, was charged with capital murder. To avoid a potential death sentence, he pleaded guilty and received two life terms plus an additional eight years in prison. Another accomplice, Antoine R. Speed, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 70 years. A third individual, Antonio Johnson, was convicted for his role in the murder and robbery and received a 38-year sentence. The fourth teenager, Earl Coleman-Bey, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of attempted robbery and a related gun charge. The violent end to Officer Rutherford's life and the subsequent trials left a lasting impact on the Newport News community and the police department, which faced scrutiny over the planning of the fatal undercover operation.
