CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Search warrants provided more insight into the devastating deaths of a mother and her three children in Chesapeake in an apparent murder-suicide last week.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide on Welcome Rd.

Cymone King-Roberson was reportedly on a Facebook Live Feb. 6 when her girlfriend, while watching, noticed three dead bodies in the home. The girlfriend called 911, leading to Chesapeake police responding to King-Roberson's home.

After King-Roberson made "concerning statements," the Chesapeake Police SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team was called, according to the search warrant. However, while officers were on scene, they heard the sound of gunshots from inside the residence.

SWAT entered the home to find four dead individuals, including King-Roberson and her three children — a 14-year-old daughter and 5-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. The woman was said to have died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

During the search, officials confiscated a Bersa Thunder 380 handgun, ammunition, five shell casings, a USB drive, a wash cloth and paper towel with a red stain and two cellular devices.

10 On Your Side's Andy Fox had previous coverage speaking with the woman's brother shortly after the incident, who was in shock from the news.

Two days after the three children and King-Roberson died, a neighbor's baby was born across the street — three weeks early. The mother of that child, Mechelle Thornton, claims it was the stress across the street that led to the early birth.

"Her due date was March 3, but I went into labor Feb. 7, due to stress," Thornton said. "They asked me what the stress was that led to the early delivery, and I told them a lot of stuff was going on in the neighborhood."

Thursday, the apartment entrance is covered with a memorial.

Thornton said she has questions on where the girlfriend was when she watched the Facebook Live, and wonders if friends should have done more to reach out to King-Roberson, who friends and family claim was dealing with mental illness.

"I feel like the people who knew about it should come forward," Thornton said, nodding her head when asked whether she thought too many people said nothing, knowing something was wrong.

Thornton said there is a bundle of love and life in her home, but also a sadness that they, as a family, cannot escape.

"My kids say, 'Mom, why did she do that?' I can't say nothing to the kids, except the children are in a better place, and not suffering out here in this world."

CHESAPEAKE, Va.(WAVY) -- Victims from two generations were recently killed in gun violence in the Campostella Section of the city. Six days after Cymone King-Roberson shot her three children and then herself, police are investigating a shooting death, just blocks away, that claimed the life of 20-year Gabrielle Leigh Kelly.

Former classmates at Chesapeake High Schools, who did not want to be identified, called the victim Gabby.

Regina Mobley: How does it make you feel when you know that one of your high school classmates has now died?
Well, I mean, bad. I guess, it does get bad though you know cause we've been losing people out here too much.

The Crime scene encompassed nearly a square block. Residents heard several rounds just before 8 p.m. Monday.

It's tough. She was a nice person. She didn't deserve to go out like that. Yeah, she was. I mean, that's tough for anybody to go out like that.

Last year ten on your side introduced you to Jackie Drewitt the founder of Redeemed Women ministries. She calls on the people of Hampton Roads to wrap their arms around neighbors in need before it's too late.

We're all in this community together. So we need to come together and stand together. If your neighbor is hurting, you reach out to them. It's no time to gossip about what someone else is going through. We need to help each other. Help each other? If your sister or your brother is going through this, you will be there to help them. It should be the same way with your neighbor.

Chesapeake Police are asking for information on the death of Gabrielle Kelly.
If you know anything about the case, call the crime line at 1-888-lock- U-up.
Jackie Drewitt of Redeemed Ministries is on Facebook.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) -- The former Assistant Director of James River Residential Reentry Facility (James River RRC) pled guilty Thursday to taking bribes as a public official.

According to court documents, Marlon R. Jones, Jr., 44, of Portsmouth had supervisory authority over an inmate, identified as L.C., who was released to home confinement in January 2021. Jones had a direct relationship with L.C. from at least April 2021 through September 2022 that involved having sexual contact and exchanging sexual messages via telephone and text.

L.C. additionally paid Jones on several occasions for assistance with making violations disappear. Another supervisor had taken over James River RRC and found that L.C. had at least fourteen incidents, but only three had been properly recorded.

Jones received both physical currency and electronic transfers from L.C. through his Cash App account. Between Sept. 24, 2021, and March 29, 2022, L.C. paid Jones a total of $650 over five Cash App transactions. L.C. also referred other individuals to Jones, including his cousin.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces up to 15 years in prison.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue responded for the report of a two-story apartment fire on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m., in the 600 block of Willow Oaks Boulevard. The fire affected at least six units in the Willow Oaks townhomes community.

It was under control in less than half an hour, according to 10 On Your Side's Chris Horne, who is on the scene. Fifteen people were displaced. One sustained serious injuries and was taken to a burn unit.

WAVY has reached out for details.

(WAVY) — Millions of pets are microchipped in case they go missing, giving a veterinarian or shelter the ability to scan for the chip and find the owner's information. However, one company that has serviced animals nationwide has reportedly gone out of business.

Zeke is a rambunctious and rowdy four-month-old boxer mix. He's also been microchipped at the Norfolk SPCA. It's an easy way for shelters or vets to find a pet's owner's information if they get lost.

There are numerous chip companies out there, and one — Save This Life — recently seemed to go out of business. 10 On Your Side tried calling the number, only to get a recording saying our call could not be completed. What does this mean for those using the chip?

"It would just ring as there is a chip in them, but it doesn't have the data, so it doesn't tell us anything about the ownership of the animal," said Jesika Streeter, deputy director at the Norfolk SPCA. "So, it doesn't give a phone number, it doesn't give us an email."

Streeter believes the company was popular with breeders. But if you don't know what company tracks your pet's chip — the shelter, or a vet will scan them for free.

The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed between the animal’s shoulder blades. When scanned, it registers a 15-digit ID number. If your pet is tracked by “Save This Life,” you’ll need that number to re-register your pet’s chip with another company.

Companies usually charge around $20 to register, but certain ones do it for free:

And if you want to double down, Streeter suggests having a QR code added to your pet's collar.

"I'm using a QR code on their tag," Streeter said. "So yes, they are chipped, but now I'm a little leery. So, it's a QR code that anyone can scan with their phone and it gives them all of my information."

You can find QR code tags for your pet on Amazon, at PetSmart or by searching Google for “QR codes pet tags.”

Overall, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

"Microchips save lives," Streeter said. "We had a story of a cat that ... came in for surgery, actually, and they were chipped and they ended up being missing from Ohio for about seven months."

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- If something seemed a little fishy recently, it could be your tuna.

Tri-Union Seafoods has recalled select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s brand names. The recall is issued as an "abundance of caution" due to a potentially inadequate seal.

Due to an error, the seal may leak or become contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

• Trader Joe’s label – Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.
• Genova 5 oz. - Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas.

No illnesses have been reported.

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) — Nearly $40,000 in marijuana was seized, four people have been arrested and business licenses have been revoked at four vape store locations following an investigation into illegal marijuana sales in the town, police said Monday.

Abdulla Yahya, Oumar Hammety, Kelsey Ewell and Aiman Alghazali were all arrested and face felony and misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute charges. Yahya and Hammety face one felony and misdemeanor charge, each, while Ewell and Alghazali face two charges, each.

The Smithfield Police Department responded to multiple vape store locations Monday morning as a result of ongoing investigation.

“It’s been a four-month undercover investigation looking into the illegal sale of marijuana," said Smithfield Police Chief Alonzo Howell.

The investigation also snagged: 

• Planet Tobacco and Mart, 1005 S. Church St. - Arrested: Yahya, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 11.2 ounces of marijuana
• Smithfield Tobacco and Vape, 1921 S. Church St. - Arrested: Hammety, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, one misdemeanor count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 3.5 pounds of marijuana
• Discount Tobacco and Vape, 1264 Smithfield Plaza - Arrested: Ewell, Charges: two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 20 ounces of marijuana
• Tobacco and Vape Cigars and CBD and Kratom, 13404 Benns Church Blvd. - Arrested: Alghazali, Charges: Two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 6.2 pounds of marijuana

The investigation targeted narcotics and is being conducted with the Virginia DMV Law Enforcement Division, the town of Smithfield, the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Drug Task Force, the Virginia State Police and the Isle of Wight Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

Howell told WAVY the investigation was into the illegal sale of marijuana and vapes to minors. He said they arrested one person and have three others in custody.

"We found marijuana at all four locations," Howell said.

You couldn't miss the tremendous show of force at all the sites, with people asking what was going on.

"The vapes were being sold to juveniles, and that was the initial complaint," Howell said, "and from that, we also received a complaint that marijuana was part of being sold. Therefore, that's what led to the undercover investigation."

The first to be arrested an employee who allegedly sold marijuana, and the chief has this message to those selling dope.

“The message is that the illegal sale of marijuana is just not tolerated," Howell said. "As such, the businesses [have] been shut down for the illegal sale of marijuana in violation of the town ordinance.” 

The signs up at the four locations state the businesses are now closed.

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — The governing bodies for both public and private high school athletics in Virginia said Monday they would follow President Donald Trump's executive order to limit competition in girls' sports to students assigned female at birth only.

Youngkin urges VHSL to follow executive order banning transgender women from women’s high school sports teams

The Virginia High School League, which governs public high school athletics, said its executive committee voted to comply with the executive order, "Keeping Men out of Women's Sports," effective immediately, and ban transgender girls from competing in sanctioned high school athletics.

Last week, a VHSL spokesperson said that it would maintain what had been its policy to allow transgender girls to participate on girls' high school sports teams.

"The VHSL is an association comprising 318 member schools with more than 177,000 students participating yearly in sports and academic activities," said Billy Haun, VHSL executive director. "The VHSL is the governing body, and our member schools look to and rely on the VHSL for police and guidance. To that end, the VHSL will comply with the executive order. The compliance with provide membership with clear and consistent direction."

The VHSL's executive committee also directed its staff to immediately propose policy changes — in the form of emergency legislation — to comply with the executive order. The VHSL said its staff would adjust the language in its handbook and policy manual "in the coming days."

The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association said it would also comply with the president's executive order.

Specifically, the VISAA's policy states that "if a member school maintains separate teams in the same sport for girls and boys during the school year, regardless of the sports season, girls may not compete on boys' teams, and boys may not compete on girls' teams. If a member school maintains only a boys' team in a sport, girls may compete on the boys' team. Boys may not participate on a girls team in any sport. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Board determines that boys' opportunities for participation in athletics have been limited in the past, boys may participate on a girls' team, unless the sport involved is a contact sport.

"To maintain competitive fairness in VISAA championship events, participation shall be determined by a student's biological sex rather than gender or gender identity."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin hailed the announcements from the governing bodies for public and private high school athletics in Virginia.

"Common sense wins," Youngkin said Monday in a statement posted on X. "Today, the governing bodies for Virginia's public and private high school athletics announced they would follow President Trump's EO to protect girls sports."

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said "whether to stand with female student-athletes should have never been a question. VHSL has wisely chosen to follow President Trump's executive order to keep men out of girls' sports."

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A Chesapeake family is continuing to look for answers after their loved one disappeared over six months ago. 

65-year-old Bill Wolf was reported missing on July 23, 2024. He was last seen in the 2000 block of Athens Court just after 3 p.m. 

"He's been gone six months now, and it's just hard to go on without him," Cynthia Wolf, Bill Wolf's wife said.

According to Cynthia Wolf, her husband was last seen operating his silver 2008 Ford F150 pickup with a Virginia license plate that reads “IBDWOLF” after having a mental health episode. 

“He thought someone was chasing him. He was asking for help. So, I went to call 911 to get somebody to come to help him, and in that minute, he took off into his truck, which is parked in the driveway, and drove off,” Cynthia Wolf said. 

An investigation and search followed by the Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Police and Chesapeake Police.  

The Coast Guard announced they had found an unmanned catamaran about three nautical miles north of Little Creek Harbor in Norfolk. It contained some of Bill Wolf’s personal items, but he was nowhere to be found.  

"Not knowing is what's hurting me the most. I don't know if he's walking around hiding, thinking that somebody's still looking for him or if he drowned," Cynthia Wolf said.  

Authorities have also since recovered Bill Wolf’s truck, which now sits parked in the family’s driveway.  

His two sons, Thomas and David Wolf, are struggling to come to terms with his disappearance. They said that their dad had struggled with his mental health in the past but had never been gone for this long before. 

"It's almost like my life's on pause at the moment because of it," Thomas Wolf said. “I'm hoping someone can give us some news or information.” 

David Wolf echoed the same message.  

"I would like to know that he's alive, or at least closure,” David Wolf said. “The worst part is thinking he's either out there or he's not. But until we know something, you can't, you can't move past it or go through it,” 

Cynthia Wolf hopes by speaking out, they can finally get answers.   

"Just for somebody to let us know that he's alive. It's very hard to be home here and the night comes, and I think of him being out there by himself," Cynthia Wolf said.  

Police described Bill Wolf as 5 feet, 8 inches and about 188 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.  

Anyone with any knowledge about Bill Wolf’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Chesapeake Police Department at 757-382-6161 or the Coast Guard at 757-483-8567. 

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Millions of people will gather for the big game on Sunday. If you're partying with alcohol, there's plenty of ways to celebrate responsibly.

"It'll be eight years this coming May. May 19, 2017. It was the worst day of our lives," said Tammy Duffy.

Her daughter Kaitlyn Duffy was 18 years old and on her way to Virginia Tech where she planned to go for pre-med.

"She was a senior at Great Bridge High School here in Chesapeake, and she was about a week away from her senior prom and about a month away from graduating," explained Tammy.

Her daughter had a 4.4 GPA and worked her way up to be the Girl Scout equivalent of an Eagle Scout. She worked at least one job while also competing athletically in sports like swimming. She was her school's co-captain the year she passed. 

Despite her high achievements, she always looked to her mom, Tammy, for guidance. 

"She asked me that morning when I tiptoed in her room to go take some of my nice makeup back that she would always steal from my bathroom," recalled Tammy about the day her daughter passed. "She rolled over in her bed and... it's one of my last memories of her... She said, 'Mom, I'm really stressed out with school. Everybody's skipping school. It's senior skip day. We're going to the beach today, so can I please go?'"

Tammy said yes. She didn't know it would be the last time she'd speak to her daughter. Just hours later, the drunk driver of a 10,000-pound furniture truck crashed into her daughter's car in Virginia Beach.

"We had a lot of eyewitnesses that saw the whole thing," she said. "He went off the road, into one of the drainage ditches there in that part of Pungo. He overcorrected, and he was intoxicated and impaired on drugs and alcohol. He went airborne and slammed into her. Basically, hitting her door on an angle so hopefully it killed her instantly."

Jerode Johnson's choice to get behind the wheel cost Tammy her only daughter. The courts convicted him of a list of crimes, sentencing him to nearly 50 years in jail. Another young woman, Kaitlyn's friend, was also in the car when the crash happened. She was severely hurt, but Tammy said she survived the impact.

"Our whole world was turned upside down due to impaired driving," said Tammy.

After losing Kaitlyn, Tammy has spent her time advocating for safe, sober driving with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). This weekend ahead of Sunday's big football game, she said her mission is stronger than ever.

"They had developed a campaign called 'Take a minute, make a plan'," she said about her organization's message. "I just ask everybody to just take that one minute before you actually go out and enjoy the Super Bowl, before you leave to go anywhere, and have a plan in place."

Tammy said there are a lot of options available for people looking to secure a sober ride. Uber, Lyft, and taxi services make it easier than ever.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is even offering discounts on Lyft rides for the Super Bowl. You can claim your discount by clicking here.

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) -- A woman and a teenage girl were arrested after striking a gas pump shelter and evading police Sunday afternoon in Currituck County.

Deputies were dispatched to the Duck Thru in Moyock at 1449 Caratoke Highway at approximately 2:45 p.m. following a Chevrolet Impala running into the gas pump shelter.

The driver, Zaria Janelle Wright from Norfolk, exited the vehicle and fled on foot before deputies arrived. The passenger, a 16-year-old girl, drove away northbound on US 168.

Deputies located the vehicle driving southbound near Tulls Creek Road and conducted a traffic stop. The 16-year-old girl then fled the traffic stop on foot. She was quickly arrested.

The 16-year-old girl from Virginia Beach had multiple warrants out of Virginia. Juvenile petitions were filed against her, including assault on a government official, resist delay obstruct and fleeing the scene of an accident. She was also issued citations for several motor vehicle violations.

Wright was subsequently located and arrested without incident. She was booked into the Currituck County Detention Center under the following charges:

• Hit and Run/ Leaving the scene of an accident
• No Operators License
• Expired Registration
• Reckless Driving to Endanger

Wright is currently being held under a $25,000.00 secured bond.

The 16-year-old girl was transported to Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center for secured custody.

Police confirmed the woman is

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- Two adults and two children have been displaced after a house fire Sunday evening in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Emergency Communications were notified of a residential structure fire in the 3800 block of Rivanna River Beach in the Riverfront neighborhood at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Fire crews arrived to find a fire in the kitchen of a two-story home. The fire was brought under control around 5:40 p.m.

The displaced residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

The fire remains under investigation.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- A man suffered a gunshot wound after an overnight shooting Sunday in Norfolk.

Around 12:20 a.m., Norfolk police responded to the 100 block of W Balview Avenue in reference to a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

Upon arrival, officers found a 33-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation remains ongoing.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A family is grieving the loss of a beloved son and brother after 44-year-old Earl Wiggins got struck by a train early Friday morning. 

Pedestrian dies after being struck by a train in Suffolk

Wiggins was struck and killed by a train on South Saratoga Street in Suffolk. 

A train operator called Suffolk Emergency Communications Center at approximately 3:20 a.m. for a report of a person hit by a train. 

At the scene, police were seen picking up a bike. The family said that seemed unusual if Wiggins was the one riding it. 

“He would walk. He would mainly walk. So, for him to be riding a bike, I guess it was just something spur of the moment for him,” said Vanessa Daughtry, Wiggins' little sister. 

Another sister expressed her devastation over the saddening news.

“It was traumatic. I was hysterical. And then I thought for a second, more like, well, maybe they got the wrong person on his shoulders, and can we identify the person to make sure? How do they know? Is it him? Where is he? Where is the body?” said Shannon Gray. “That's where all of our thoughts were. And we spoke to one of the detectives, and he confirmed that it was him. He had his I.D. on him. So, you know, still in shock.”

The family said they still have many unanswered questions.

“We can't speculate where he was going. We don't want to do that. We have no clue what was going on. He was trying to get somewhere,” said James Pittman, Wiggins' brother. 

But what they do know is that Wiggins will be truly missed. 

“He lights up any room he's in, and he had a smile and a laugh that was distinctive to just him,” said Pittman. 

“My first child, it’s so hard,” said Caraway. 

His family said Wiggins had no life insurance. With the unexpected loss, they started a GoFundMe to help offset the cost.

“It’ll help with funeral and memorial services for him,” said Gray.

The investigation is still ongoing. 

If you are interested in donating, click here.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - In the face of potential tariffs, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline has ticked up two cents over the past week, now standing roughly around $3.13, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Meanwhile, public electric vehicle charging stations report an average cost of 34 cents per kilowatt hour.

The EIA's latest figures indicate that gasoline demand rose slightly, increasing from 8.30 million barrels per day to 8.32 million b/d.

Simultaneously, the total domestic gasoline supply grew from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1 million barrels, although gasoline production slipped to an average of 9.2 million barrels per day.

Currently, the national average of $3.13 represents a seven-cent increase compared to a month ago and is one cent lower than this time last year.

Local Price Trends

In Virginia, the average gas price holds steady at $3.06, unchanged from last week, but up 12 cents over the past month.

Prices in Hampton Roads have experienced a slight decrease of three cents to $2.96 a gallon, which is 19 cents higher than a month prior but ten cents lower than one year ago.

Courtesy: AAA Tidewater Virginia

Oil Market Update

On the trading front, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropped $1.67, closing at $71.03 per barrel on Wednesday.

The EIA reported an increase of 8.7 million barrels in crude oil inventories, with the current total at 423.8 million barrels, which is about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

For drivers looking to find the best gas prices along their route, the AAA TripTik Travel planner is a useful tool.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) -- An Alberta man has died after an overnight single-vehicle crash in Warfield on Saturday, according to Virginia State Police.

At approximately 2:50 a.m., state police investigated the accident on Route 1 at 16046 Boydton Plank Road.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of a 2015 Honda Civic, 43-year-old John Robert Daniel was traveling southbound on Boydton Plank Road when he lost control of the vehicle. Daniel then crossed all lanes of travel before running off the roadway and striking a tree.

The impact of the crash killed the front seat passenger, 35-year-old Richard Duane Bennett II.

Daniel was taken to VCU with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Alcohol was a contributing factor.

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) - In the early hours of Feb. 8, police responded to reports of a shooting at Jersey Park Apartments.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The individual was promptly transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition, authorities reported.

The Smithfield Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Residents who may have witnessed the shooting or have any details related to the case are encouraged to contact the Smithfield Police Department at 757-357-3247.

This incident marks a troubling escalation of violence in the area, and police are committed to ensuring the safety of the community as they work to find answers.

More information will be provided as the investigation continues.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- Suffolk Parks & Recreation will hold a teen youth and interview skills workshop in March.

On Saturday, March 1, interested applicants aged 14 to 18 years old may attend the informative workshop to learn resume building, interview preparation and gain insight into hiring processes.

The event will occur at Kings Fork Recreation Center, 350 Kings Fork Rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To register, click here.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — My daddy shot my mother.

That's what court documents say a child, a young boy, told dispatchers around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in a 911 call from Kenny Lane in the Churchland section of the city. The child's father, Hasheed Mills, now faces aggravated murder charges.

It is likely the death of 30-year-old Shaquana Deborah Jordan will be recorded in the annals of crime trends. Her children: two and 7-years-old, witnessed her death, according to court documents, and police reported she was five months pregnant.

Within the last year, Mills was charged three times with domestic assault toward Jordan and had protective orders issued against him.

Previous Coverage: Portsmouth man charged with killing pregnant woman in presence of child, police say

According to court documents, Jordan's family told detectives that she had kicked Mills out of her apartment and was reportedly scared of him coming back to take his items. A pile of Mills' belongings were found outside the doorway, including clothing and medical paperwork.

Court documents also reveal a history of violence in which each partner has been the accused.

Outside the crime scene, police saw a pile of items that belonged to Mills including clothing and medicine. The victim, according to court documents, reportedly told loved ones she was afraid Mills would return. These facts are consistent with Holmes' findings in some cases of deadly domestic violence.

"You're at greater risk of homicide when you are attempting to leave the situation," said Dr. Bernadette Holmes, a sociology and criminal justice professor at Norfolk State University, discussing cases of this nature with 10 On Your Side's Regina Mobley. "That's why it's important for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence to have a safety plan to let others know what they are doing and what is going on because they're victims."

According to the Harvard University School of Public Health, pregnant women in America, or women who have recently given birth, are more likely to be murdered than to die from conditions related to pregnancy. According to the study, these homicides are linked to a deadly mix of intimate partner violence and firearms.

"Domestic violence does not occur in a vacuum," Holmes said.

On Wednesday, video footage captured a dark sedan pulling up to the apartment complex just before 8:30 p.m. The driver, matching Mills' description, parked and walked toward Jordan's apartment, leaving the car on.

The suspect was wearing a green shirt over a white shirt, a green bucket hat, gray sweatpants and Nike tennis shoes. Footage showed the suspect and Jordan engaged in an "encounter" before the suspect was later seen running back to the car. The bucket hat was found on the scene.

The 2-year-old and 7-year-old were left abandoned in the home after their mother was shot. Mills was later arrested in Hampton wearing the same clothes seen in the footage.

He told detectives that "he had a child on the way."

Jordan was shot in her left arm and left side and died at the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Mills has been charged him with aggravated murder of a pregnant woman, use of a firearm, abuse of a child causing serious injury, shooting in commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon. He's being held without bail.

Mills is currently on probation for other charges out of Chesapeake and Portsmouth, according to court documents. Mills has previous convictions of drug charges, robbery, grand larceny, assault and battery of a family member and more.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — If it takes an entire village to raise a child, where was the village and who was the chief before five lives were lost in two cases of violence in two Hampton Roads cities?

3 children, 1 woman dead after murder-suicide in Chesapeake

10 On Your Side put the questions before Dr. Bernadette Holmes, a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Norfolk State University.

"Well, unfortunately, our safety nets are breaking down," Holmes said. "You know, there was a time where there was a greater sense of community. And when people saw others in crisis, there would be some type of intervention or support."

As the crisis continues, Holmes is calling on the community to create a new safety net for families that have more mobility than the previous generation.

"Oftentimes in marginalized communities in particular, they may be more reluctant to call the police because in domestic situations, they don't want the police involved," Holmes said.

And without intervention, Holmes said, today's witnesses could become tomorrow's victims.

"I think it is important that we emphasize support for these families — the extended families that are involved, the children that are involved, that there will be intervention, professional intervention, as well as community support and family support," she said, "because, in these events, the entire family system is affected by the tragedy and the community as well. Because for others who are seeing this, it is very traumatic."

The YWCA offers help for the victims of domestic violence, and if someone is suicidal, they should dial the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.