In a tragic and shocking incident that has left the Old Dominion University (ODU) community in Norfolk, Virginia, reeling, two individuals were fatally shot in a campus parking lot on Wednesday night. The victims, identified as 18-year-old Delanio M. Vick and 20-year-old Timothy G. Williams, were shot in Parking Lot 3 in the 1400 block of West 49th Street, near the Broderick Dining Commons. The shooting occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m., and emergency responders transported both victims to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. Authorities have confirmed that neither Vick nor Williams was a student or affiliated with ODU. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern from the community, as law enforcement officials work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. The ODU Police and Norfolk Police Department are leading the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.

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

The shooting took place in Parking Lot 3, located in the 1400 block of West 49th Street, near the Broderick Dining Commons on the ODU campus. This 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: Delanio M. Vick and Timothy G. Williams

The two individuals killed in the shooting have been identified as 18-year-old Delanio M. Vick and 20-year-old Timothy G. Williams. Neither victim was a student or affiliated with Old Dominion University, according to authorities. Their deaths have left their families, friends, and the broader community devastated, as they struggle to come to terms with the senseless violence that claimed their lives.

Delanio M. Vick: A Young Life Cut Short

Delanio M. Vick, 18, was a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Described by friends and family as kind-hearted, ambitious, and full of potential, Vick’s untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him. His family has expressed their grief and disbelief over his passing, remembering him as a loving son, brother, and friend who had so much to live for.

“Delanio was a bright light in our lives,” said a family member. “He was always smiling, always looking out for others. His life was taken from us far too soon, and we are heartbroken. We demand justice for his death.”

Timothy G. Williams: A Life of Promise

Timothy G. Williams, 20, was known for his infectious personality and his dedication to his loved ones. Friends and family describe him as someone who brought joy and laughter to those around him, with a passion for music and a love for life. Williams’ death has left his family and friends devastated, as they mourn the loss of a young man who had so much more to give.

“Timothy was a kind and generous soul,” said a close friend. “He had a way of making everyone feel special, and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. We will miss him dearly, but his memory will live on in our hearts.”

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(s) responsible for the shooting remain 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(s). 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(s).
• 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 Delanio Vick and Timothy Williams have expressed their sorrow and anger over the senseless violence that claimed their lives.

Vigils and memorials have been organized to honor the memories of the victims, 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 Delanio and Timothy.”

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(s) and bring them to justice.

In addition to providing information, the community is also being encouraged to support the families of Delanio Vick and Timothy Williams 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 Delanio Vick and Timothy Williams

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 Delanio Vick and Timothy Williams, they are also coming together to honor their memories and demand justice.

The lives of Delanio and Timothy were cut short far too soon, but their legacies of kindness, ambition, 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, “Delanio and Timothy were taken from us far too soon, but their spirits 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.”