A shooting outside a downtown Norfolk restaurant and bar over the weekend resulted from an argument over a spilled drink, according to Norfolk’s police chief. Two people were killed, including a reporter, and three others were injured.
The argument began inside Chicho’s Pizza Backstage early Saturday, but ended outside, says Chief Larry Boone, during a meeting with the Downtown Norfolk Civic League on Monday night.
Among the victims was Sierra Jenkins, who worked for The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press, and Devon Harris, who was from Portsmouth. Three others were injured as well.
In addition to growing up in Norfolk and graduating from Georgia State University, Jenkins interned at Atlanta Magazine and CNN before working at The Pilot. “This is yet another instance when there was no conflict resolution,” she said.
According to Boone, based on the location of the shooting, investigators do not possess solid leads on a suspect, but he remains cautiously optimistic that they will make an arrest.
In addition to interviewing witnesses, reward money is being considered, Boone said.
In spite of a staffing shortage, extra officers will patrol the downtown area for better peace-of-mind, Boone said. The officers will complement the officers who already patrol the area, he said.
