Argument led to ‘tragic’ triple shooting inside Newport News home, police say
Two men were killed and a third was hospitalized after a shooting Wednesday in Newport News.
Police responded to the 700 block of 16th Street in the Marshall neighborhood following a report of a shooting shortly before 7:30 p.m. Officers found three men in a residence who had been shot.
One died at the scene, another died at the hospital, and the third is being treated for injuries that aren’t considered life-threatening, police said.
Investigators believe the shooting is “domestic” and are not looking for suspects, according to a release. Police identified the deceased men as Tracey Williams, 54, and Dalontae Taylor, 25. Police stated both lived in the 700 block of 16th Street in Newport News.
Chief Steve Drew spoke to the press Thursday about the shooting, calling it “tragic.” According to Drew, an argument began inside the home between Williams and his girlfriend.
The argument was not about anything regarding criminal activity, police said. Drew would not comment further, saying there were still interviews to be conducted.
Drew said Williams left the home after the argument and later came back with a firearm and began shooting inside, where his girlfriend was with Taylor, her son. Drew said Taylor returned fire, and the two men shot each other.
All shots were fired inside, and Drew said investigators recovered several rounds and two guns at the scene. Ballistics tests will be done to determine how many shots were fired and by whom.
The third person, whom police did not identify, is in stable condition in the hospital. Drew said Williams had shot him in the legs, and the victim did not have a gun.
Drew said neighbors have been very cooperative in the investigation. In 2022, the area had about five calls to police, mainly about property issues or noise complaints, and there was one call in 2023. None were related to domestic violence.
“It’s just tragic,” Drew said of the shooting, emphasizing a need for de-escalation during conflicts. “I wish people could just walk away.”
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
