Barney Kittles Jr. Obituary, Death – A fatal shooting in Newport News last week has claimed the life of a 39-year-old man, who has now been identified by authorities as Barney Kittles Jr., a resident of Hampton, Virginia.
According to the Newport News Police Department, the incident took place on Friday afternoon in the 800 block of 35th Street, a neighborhood located in the city’s Southeast community not far from Interstate 664. Officers were dispatched to the area shortly after 3:10 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered Kittles Jr. suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Emergency responders quickly transported him to a nearby medical facility in an effort to save his life. Despite receiving immediate care, Kittles Jr. later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, police confirmed in an official statement.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the shooting, including any potential motive, suspect information, or whether anyone else was involved. No arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear whether investigators have identified any leads in the case.
The neighborhood where the shooting occurred is known to be a densely populated area with a mix of residential and commercial properties. The location’s proximity to major roadways like I-664 may have added to concerns about public safety and the potential for violence to disrupt everyday life in the area.
As of now, the Newport News Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident. Officials have not said whether the shooting appeared to be targeted or random, or if Kittles Jr. had any known connection to the suspect, if one exists.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. They are urging community members who may have seen suspicious activity or heard gunfire around the time of the shooting to contact the department. Tips can often be submitted anonymously through local Crime Line services, and authorities frequently offer rewards for information leading to arrests in homicide cases.
Kittles Jr.’s death adds to a growing list of gun violence cases affecting the Hampton Roads region. Newport News, along with nearby cities like Hampton, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, has been dealing with a concerning number of violent incidents in recent years. Law enforcement agencies across the area have been working to strengthen their community outreach and violence intervention programs to address the issue and foster cooperation between residents and officers.
While there are no official details yet about Kittles Jr.’s background or his reason for being in the 35th Street area at the time of the shooting, his death has left questions and grief in its wake. Those who knew him may now be mourning his loss and seeking answers.
As police continue to process evidence, conduct interviews, and piece together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting, the community remains on edge, hoping that justice will be served and that violence like this can be prevented in the future.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is strongly encouraged to contact the Newport News Police Department or provide tips through Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the P3 mobile app.
This latest tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing gun-related crimes and the importance of community involvement in supporting justice and safety initiatives.
