Newport News Confronts Surge in Deadly Violence After Record-Low Year

Five homicides in 11 days in February account for over a quarter of 2025's total killings, raising community concerns

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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After celebrating a record-low homicide rate in 2025, the city of Newport News, Virginia is now facing a sharp spike in deadly gun violence. Five men have been killed in just 11 days this February, accounting for more than a quarter of the total 18 homicides recorded in the entire previous year. Community leaders and anti-violence advocates are concerned that this surge in violence could become normalized, even as they maintain that prevention efforts are making a difference, even if the results are not immediately visible.

Why it matters

The sudden increase in homicides in Newport News after a year of record-low violence has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety. While the city has worked to address gun violence through prevention programs, this February surge highlights the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained efforts to reduce deadly crime.

The details

The five homicides in Newport News this February occurred over an 11-day period. On February 14, a man was shot on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. Another person was shot on February 17 on Jefferson Avenue. Then, two men were shot on Bellwood Road on February 20. Finally, an 18-year-old was killed on 29th Street on February 25. With five killings already in February, this month alone accounts for more than a quarter of the 18 homicides recorded in the entire previous year of 2025.

  • On February 14, someone shot a man on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard.
  • On February 17, another person was shot on Jefferson Avenue.
  • On February 20, two men were shot on Bellwood Road.
  • On February 25, an 18-year-old was killed on 29th Street.

The players

Brandon Frink

A Newport News native who was stunned by the recent violence but remains hopeful that the situation will improve.

Christopher Moore

The executive director of Bagz4daKidz Movement Inc., a nonprofit focused on reducing community gun violence. He described gun violence as a "nationwide pandemic" and said that while prevention efforts are making a difference, the results are not always immediately visible.

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What they’re saying

“I do hope that one day, you know… it'll get better down here.”

— Brandon Frink, Newport News resident (13newsnow.com)

“It's kind of like we become numb to it and think it's the norm, but it's not the norm.”

— Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Bagz4daKidz Movement Inc. (13newsnow.com)

“Particularly in the Hampton and Newport News area, it always rears its head.”

— Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Bagz4daKidz Movement Inc. (13newsnow.com)

“It is working. It might not seem like it, but that's why we gotta keep at it. We continue putting our boots on the ground.”

— Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Bagz4daKidz Movement Inc. (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

Community leaders and anti-violence advocates say they will continue their efforts to address the surge in gun violence, even if the results are not immediately visible.

The takeaway

The sudden spike in homicides in Newport News after a record-low year highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing gun violence, even as community organizations work to make a difference through prevention programs. This surge underscores the need for sustained, long-term efforts to improve public safety and reduce deadly crime in the city.