NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — An arrest has been made in connection to an August 2023 double homicide of two teens in Newport News, police said.
20-year-old Camari Hayes of Newport News was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm in commission of felony, reckless handling of a firearm and discharging a firearm in public.
The incident occurred in the 4900 block of Rochester Court. Officers were dispatched on Aug. 29, 2023, around 9:05 p.m. Police found two teenage boys shot. One died on the scene, and the other died later at the hospital.
Newport News police chief Steve Drew announced the arrest during a Friday news conference at Meadow View Townhomes where the murders took place.
The police chief said Hayes and the teens were familiar with each other. He would not say if Hayes lived at Meadow View. At the time Hayes was served, he was already incarcerated.
“I owe it to this community to not just be here when something tragic happens, to come back and share with them some of the news I wish we didn’t have the conversation, but it’s important that we are going to hold individuals accountable. To pick up a firearm, commit violence in our community,” Drew stated.
“I cannot give enough credit to the men and women who responded that night, who patrol this neighborhood, who have gone to other situations and scenes. The work that they do, the detectives who took this case personal, the case is open until we close it.”
Drew also revealed that gun violence in the city is down 40% compared to last year. Homicides have decreased by 60% to 70%.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
