Suffolk, VA – A violent shooting late Thursday night, September 12, 2024, has left two men dead and three others injured in what is now a deeply unsettling chapter for the Suffolk community. The shooting occurred in the 800 block of East Washington Street, a location known for its residential and business establishments. The calm of the night was shattered around 11:25 p.m. when Suffolk Police received reports of gunfire in the area.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a horrific scene with five victims, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency services, including Suffolk Fire & Rescue, responded swiftly to provide medical assistance. Tragically, two men lost their lives due to the severity of their injuries.
The victims have been identified as 37-year-old William Eugene Goodman Jr. and 30-year-old Demonte Lamont Tillery, both residents of Suffolk. Goodman was pronounced dead at the scene, his life cut short before he could receive any aid. Tillery was transported to a local hospital, where despite the efforts of medical staff, he later succumbed to his injuries. Their deaths mark another somber statistic in the growing tide of gun violence affecting cities across the United States.
The other three individuals wounded in the attack—a woman and two men—sustained serious injuries, though their conditions have been classified as non-life-threatening. They, too, were transported to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Their names have not yet been released, and authorities have remained tight-lipped about their current conditions. The public is anxiously awaiting updates as the city grapples with the aftermath of this brutal attack.
The shock of the incident has reverberated throughout Suffolk, a city of around 95,000 people that typically enjoys a quieter atmosphere compared to larger urban areas. However, the rising frequency of gun-related incidents has left many residents feeling unnerved and increasingly concerned about safety in their neighborhoods.
Police Chief Alfred Buie addressed the community in a press release, expressing deep sympathy for the victims’ families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” Buie said. He also reassured the public that the Suffolk Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and will spare no effort to bring those responsible to justice. “This type of violence has no place in Suffolk, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
The Chief’s words aim to provide solace, but the community remains on edge. Residents are calling for increased police presence and tougher measures to combat gun violence. Local leaders have echoed these sentiments, urging the police to step up their efforts and calling for initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies.
As of now, Suffolk Police have not released any information regarding potential suspects or the motive behind the shooting. With no arrests made, the investigation is in its early stages. Detectives are currently combing through surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses in an effort to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Suffolk Police have highlighted the importance of community involvement in solving the case. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Suffolk Crime Line or submit tips anonymously via the P3 Tips website. A unique TIP ID and password will be provided to those who submit information, allowing for secure, two-way communication with investigators. There is also a possibility of a reward for those whose tips lead to an arrest, a standard practice designed to incentivize community cooperation in serious criminal cases.
In light of the shooting, the city of Suffolk is grappling with renewed concerns over crime and public safety. Although this incident is particularly jarring, it is part of a larger, troubling trend of gun violence that continues to plague communities across the nation. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 500 mass shootings in the United States in 2024 alone, a grim figure that highlights the growing national crisis.
As the investigation continues, the Suffolk Police Department has vowed to keep the public informed about significant developments. However, they stress that gathering reliable information takes time and ask for patience from the community. In the meantime, grief counseling and support services are being made available for the victims’ families and others affected by the tragedy.
The senseless violence that occurred on East Washington Street is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for collective efforts to address the root causes of gun violence. Whether through increased law enforcement or proactive community programs, Suffolk residents are looking to their leaders for solutions that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the community mourns the loss of two of its members, with the hope that those responsible will soon be held accountable for their actions. As Suffolk Police Chief Buie stated, “We will not rest until we have brought closure to the victims’ families and restored peace to our community.”
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement as the search for the shooters intensifies. Public safety, at this moment, is paramount in the minds of both citizens and officials alike.