In the early moments of a spring day, just minutes after midnight on Friday, May 16, 1975, the sound of gunfire broke the quiet in the 200 block of 10th Street in Virginia Beach. When police arrived, they found a young man, Joseph J. Kelly, suffering from a gunshot wound. The 20-year-old was rushed to Virginia Beach General Hospital, but his injury proved to be fatal.
Kelly, a male serving in the U.S.
Navy and stationed at Dam Neck Naval Base, had his life cut short in an act of violence that has remained a mystery for decades. The motive for the shooting has never been determined by investigators. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, a vehicle of interest was identified as a yellow 1972 or 1973 model Chevrolet with large whitewalls. This car was seen in the area and was reportedly occupied by two Black males.
Despite the passing years, the case of Joseph J. Kelly's death is still an open investigation. Law enforcement authorities have not publicly identified any specific suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the individuals responsible for his death continue to be sought by the Virginia Beach Police Department.
