UPDATE Homicide Investigation: Menchville High School
December 15, 2021, 2:13 p.m.: In reference to last night’s homicide, 18-year-old Demari Batten, of Newport News, was taken into custody and charged with: second-degree murder, shooting firearm on school grounds, use of firearm in the commission of a felony.
See booking photo below:
Original Release December 14, 2021
*The original release was updated to accurately reflect the number of gunshots fired.
On December 14, 2021, following a basketball game at Menchville High School, there was some type of altercation outside in the school parking lot. A single gunshot was fired, and a male juvenile (teenager) was struck. Officers rendered first aid and CPR to the victim, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The circumstances of this incident remain under investigation, and there is no suspect information to release at this time.