Update as of March 29
Lynch, who died after a gun exchange with local police, was a cousin to musician, Pharrell Williams.
The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure. My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency they deserve. VA Beach is the epitome of hope and we will get through this. pic.twitter.com/npGxhbRwLk
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) March 29, 2021
Update as of March 27 at 5:35 pm ET
Three men have been arrested for a connection to the Virginia Beach shootings. Furthermore, two of the victims have been identified.
All three men have been charged with seven counts of felonious assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and reckless handling of a firearm. The three have been identified as Ahmon Jahree Adams, Nyquez Tyyon Baker, and Devon Maurice Dorsey Jr.
As released by local police, Deshayla Harris was fatally shot during last night’s shooting. Officers further stated, Harris was a bystander in the incident. The other victim named was Donovan Lynch who engaged in gunfire with officers which led to his death.
VBPD releases 2nd update to overnight shootings. @CityofVaBeach pic.twitter.com/KrN0XGmzNf
— Virginia Beach PD (@VBPD) March 27, 2021
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront became a chaotic place to be Friday night. Numerous shootings took place in the area which left two dead and eight more injured. Within that count, one police officer was struck by a car. Police have stated some of those injured have life-threatening injuries.
VBPD is investigating a shooting involving several victims with possibly life-threatening injuries. Large police presence at the oceanfront between 17th and 22nd St. Please avoid the area at this time. More to follow as it becomes available. @CityofVaBeach
— Virginia Beach PD (@VBPD) March 27, 2021
One of the victims was killed by local police in a shoot-out while other suspects have been taken into custody. Furthermore, there are multiple crime scenes over several blocks surrounding the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The first shooting incident at Virginia Beach involved eight individuals being shot and injured. As officers responded to the incident, more shots were fired near 20th and Pacific Avenue. The exchange of shots led to an “individual being confronted by a uniformed Virginia Beach police officer, resulting in a police intervention shooting.”
A view from 20th and Pacific Ave @CityofVaBeach Oceanfront. Not sure I’ve ever seen a scene this big @WAVY_News pic.twitter.com/YrCwqR7Kve
— Brett Hall (@BrettHNews) March 27, 2021
At the moment, the police do not think the two shootings are connected.
According to reports, in celebration of spring break, there were crowds of people in the area.
“What you can see is we have a very chaotic incident, a very chaotic night in the Beach,” stated Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “Many different crime scenes.”
In addition, Chief Neudigate did state the officer who was hit by a vehicle was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
More details to come as the story develops.