News Summary
In a significant legal development, five men associated with the ‘Spazz’ gang have been convicted for the murder of 18-year-old Damion Julio Rodriguez-Kirkland. The incident, which involved nearly 50 shots fired, stemmed from a mistaken identity. Investigations revealed the defendants were involved in other criminal activities when they mistakenly identified their victims as rival gang members. Convictions highlight the urgency of addressing gang violence in Virginia Beach and the tragic impact such violence has on innocent lives.
Virginia Beach has witnessed a significant legal development as five men associated with the “Spazz” gang have been convicted in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Damion Julio Rodriguez-Kirkland, who was fatally shot during an incident on June 14, 2021. The attack, which involved nearly 50 shots being fired, occurred when the defendants mistakenly identified Rodriguez-Kirkland and his three passengers as members of a rival gang.
Rodriguez-Kirkland suffered critical injuries in the shooting and ultimately passed away days later. Investigations revealed that the defendants were involved in criminal activities, including breaking into cars in the Lake Edward area while operating stolen vehicles, when they encountered Rodriguez-Kirkland’s car. Importantly, both Rodriguez-Kirkland and his companions had no affiliations with any gangs, magnifying the tragedy of the situation.
Evidence presented during the trial played a crucial role in linking the convicted individuals to the crime. This included phone records, DNA evidence, firearms recovered from the scene, and doorbell camera footage that captured the events on that fateful night. Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate expressed his belief that these convictions serve as a strong statement against violence and gang-related activities within the community.
Among those convicted, 22-year-old Hassan Abdul Johnson is set to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, following a trial. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Nasir Nesshon Thomas received a lengthy sentence of 73 years in prison, with 5 years suspended, resulting in 68 years of actual jail time. Another defendant, 22-year-old Zion Maleek Urquhart, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 28 years suspended, hence he will serve 22 years in actual prison time.
23-year-old Omari Andre Green was also sentenced to 50 years, with 15 years of that sentence suspended, meaning he will serve 35 years behind bars. Moreover, fellow 23-year-old Malachi Isaiah Handy was handed a 20-year sentence, with 8 years suspended, leading to 12 years of actual jail time. Notably, it was Green who incorrectly identified Rodriguez-Kirkland’s car using the term “the opps,” indicating a mistaken belief about the affiliation of Rodriguez-Kirkland and his friends.
This event draws attention to the ongoing issues of gang violence and crime in Virginia Beach. Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle acknowledged the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors in combating violent crimes. The tragic case of Damion Julio Rodriguez-Kirkland underscores the often devastating impact of gang-related violence on innocent individuals in communities.
This tragic incident is a part of an alarming trend of gang violence that has affected various regions across the United States. Authorities continue to stress the need for community awareness and engagement to mitigate these issues and protect vulnerable residents from becoming victims of such unwarranted violence. As the legal proceedings conclude, families and community members are left to grapple with the consequences of these acts of violence, highlighting a critical need for intervention and support systems for those at risk.
In summary, the convictions of the five men tied to the murder of Damion Julio Rodriguez-Kirkland mark a significant moment in addressing the pervasive issue of gang violence within Virginia Beach. With sentences handed down, officials hope to send a strong message that such violent behavior will not be tolerated in the community.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence
- WTKR
- Google Search: Gang Violence Virginia Beach
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Scholar: Gang Violence USA
- Shore Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang Violence
- Click Orlando
- Google News: Gang Violence
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
