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Portsmouth Today
By the People, for the People
Portsmouth Homeowner Charged for Illegal Alcohol and Tobacco Sales at Fatal Shooting Site
Police found the residence was operating as an unlicensed after-hours establishment.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:18pm
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The discovery of an illegal after-hours establishment selling alcohol and tobacco without a license raises concerns about the connection between unlawful businesses and public safety in this Portsmouth neighborhood.Portsmouth TodayAfter a fatal shooting occurred at a home in Portsmouth, Virginia, police executed a search warrant and discovered the homeowner was illegally selling alcohol, tobacco, and food without proper licensing. The homeowner was also separately charged with animal cruelty, though police did not provide further details on that charge.
Why it matters
This case highlights the broader issue of unlicensed and unregulated businesses operating in high-crime areas, which can contribute to public safety concerns. It also raises questions about how such establishments may be connected to other criminal activities in the community.
The details
On Sunday, police responded to a shooting in the 2400 block of Chestnut Street in Portsmouth and found 39-year-old Johnta Raeshawn Fields with a gunshot wound. Fields was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. After the shooting, police obtained a search warrant for the residence and discovered the homeowner had been running an 'illegal after-hours establishment' where they were selling alcohol, tobacco, and food without the proper licenses.
- On Sunday, police responded to a shooting at the residence.
- On Tuesday, police executed a search warrant at the home.
The players
Johnta Raeshawn Fields
A 39-year-old man who was fatally shot at the residence.
Portsmouth Police
The law enforcement agency that investigated the shooting and discovered the homeowner's illegal business operations.
What’s next
Police have not provided any updates on the status of the investigation or whether the homeowner has been arrested and charged for the illegal business operations.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for stronger enforcement and regulation of unlicensed businesses, especially in high-crime areas, to help improve public safety and prevent potential connections to other criminal activities.
