In a tragic and shocking incident that has left the Old Dominion University (ODU) community in Norfolk, Virginia, reeling, an 18-year-old individual was killed, and another person was injured in a shooting that occurred in a campus parking lot on Wednesday night. The incident took place at approximately 9:50 p.m. in Parking Lot 3 on West 49th Street, near the Broderick Dining Commons. Authorities have confirmed that neither victim was a student nor affiliated with the university.

Emergency responders transported both victims to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where the 18-year-old succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased has not been officially released, but a family member, Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing grief and asking for prayers for the family. At 10:01 p.m., ODU issued an emergency alert via email, phone, and text, advising students and faculty to shelter in place while law enforcement secured the area.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 11:43 p.m. after officials determined there was no ongoing threat to the ODU community. The suspect remains at large, and both Old Dominion University Police and Norfolk Police Department are leading the investigation. ODU officials have emphasized that campus safety remains a top priority, and they are urging anyone with information to contact Norfolk Police.

The Scene of the Shooting: Parking Lot 3 on West 49th Street

The shooting occurred in Parking Lot 3 on West 49th Street, a location near the Broderick Dining Commons on the ODU campus. The area is typically bustling with activity, especially in the evenings, as students move between classes, dining facilities, and dormitories. However, on the night of the shooting, the atmosphere shifted from one of normalcy to one of chaos and fear.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by screams and the sound of people running for safety. The scene quickly became a flurry of activity as emergency responders arrived, their sirens piercing the night air as they rushed to provide aid to the victims. The parking lot, usually a place of routine and familiarity, was transformed into a crime scene, with police tape and flashing lights marking the area where the tragedy unfolded.

The Victims: A Life Lost and Another Injured

The two individuals involved in the shooting were not affiliated with Old Dominion University, according to authorities. The 18-year-old victim, whose identity has not been officially released, was pronounced dead at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. The second victim, whose condition has not been disclosed, was also transported to the hospital for treatment.

The loss of the 18-year-old has left their family and friends devastated. Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, a family member of the deceased, took to social media to express her grief and ask for prayers. “Y’all pray for my family… my lil cousin died tonight… 18 years old… shooting that happened at ODU… my family is once again in turmoil… DEATH IS NOT EASY,” she wrote. The heartfelt message has resonated with many, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences from the community.

The Emergency Response: Shelter-in-Place and Campus Security

In response to the shooting, Old Dominion University issued an emergency alert at 10:01 p.m., advising students and faculty to shelter in place. The alert was sent via email, phone, and text, ensuring that the entire campus community was informed of the situation. The shelter-in-place order was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff while law enforcement secured the area and investigated the incident.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 11:43 p.m., after officials determined that there was no ongoing threat to the ODU community. During the lockdown, students and faculty were instructed to remain indoors, lock their doors, and avoid windows. The swift and coordinated response from ODU officials and law enforcement helped to ensure the safety of the campus community during a time of uncertainty and fear.

The Investigation: Searching for the Suspect

As of now, the suspect responsible for the shooting remains at large. Both Old Dominion University Police and Norfolk Police Department are leading the investigation, working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the shooting and to identify the perpetrator. Authorities have not released any information about potential suspects or motives, and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators are focusing on several key areas, including:

• Witness Interviews: Law enforcement officials are speaking with witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting to gather information about what happened and to identify potential suspects.
• Surveillance Footage: Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the parking lot and surrounding areas to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
• Forensic Evidence: Crime scene investigators are collecting and analyzing forensic evidence, including shell casings, fingerprints, and other physical evidence, to build a case against the perpetrator.
• Motive: Investigators are exploring possible motives for the shooting, including personal disputes, gang activity, or other factors that may have contributed to the violence.

The Community’s Response: Grief and Calls for Justice

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Old Dominion University community and the broader Norfolk area. Friends, family members, and neighbors of the victims have expressed their sorrow and anger over the senseless violence that claimed the life of an 18-year-old and left another person injured.

Vigils and memorials have been organized to honor the memory of the deceased, with community members coming together to mourn their loss and demand accountability. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and support, as well as calls for action to address the root causes of gun violence in the community.

Local leaders and activists have also spoken out, urging lawmakers and law enforcement to take meaningful steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. “We cannot allow this kind of violence to become the norm in our community,” said one local activist. “We need to come together to address the underlying issues that lead to these senseless acts and to ensure that justice is served for the victims.”

A Call to Action: How You Can Help

As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Norfolk Police Department can be reached at their non-emergency line, and anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers. The cooperation of the community is crucial in helping to identify the suspect and bring them to justice.

In addition to providing information, the community is also being encouraged to support the families of the victims during this difficult time. Fundraising initiatives have been launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to the families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Conclusion: Remembering the Victims and Seeking Justice

The shooting at Old Dominion University is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities. As the Norfolk community mourns the loss of an 18-year-old life and prays for the recovery of the injured victim, they are also coming together to honor their memories and demand justice.

The victims’ lives were cut short far too soon, but their legacies of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. As the investigation into their deaths continues, the community remains united in their grief and their determination to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

In the words of a family member, “Our loved one was taken from us far too soon, but their spirit will live on in the love and memories they left behind. We will honor them by fighting for justice and working to create a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.”