Five Teens Charged in 2023 Portsmouth Shooting

Suspects aged 15-16 face aggravated murder and other charges

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Five teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a 2023 shooting incident in Portsmouth, Virginia that left a young victim dead. The suspects, aged 15 to 16 years old, face charges including aggravated murder, robbery, and illegal firearm possession.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is an ongoing concern in many communities, raising questions about youth crime, access to firearms, and the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. This case highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of youth crime and improve public safety.

The details

On December 22, 2023, police responded to a shooting on the 1500 block of Atlanta Avenue in Portsmouth. They found a young victim who had been shot and later died from their injuries at a local hospital. Detectives took five teenage suspects into custody between December 24, 2023 and January 15, 2026. The suspects, aged 15 to 16 years old, were charged with aggravated murder, six counts of robbery, shooting in a roadway, and possession of a firearm by a minor.

  • On December 22, 2023, around 3:20 p.m., police responded to the shooting on Atlanta Avenue.
  • Between December 24, 2023 and January 15, 2026, detectives took the five teenage suspects into custody.

The players

Portsmouth Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the 2023 shooting incident and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and the five suspects will face trial for the charges they are facing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need to address youth crime and gun violence in communities, through a combination of law enforcement, youth development programs, and efforts to address the root causes that lead some young people to commit such serious offenses.