Benjamin Nesbitt, 23, was fatally shot on February 9, 2024, in Portsmouth, Virginia, in the afternoon near Frederick Boulevard and Bart Street. Officers found Nesbitt with gunshot wounds and he died after being taken to a local hospital. Police described the incident as domestic in nature.

Court documents say 19-year-old Ahlessha Sykes was arrested nearby shortly after witnesses saw her fleeing the scene. The documents allege Sykes had been harassing and stalking Nesbitt and his girlfriend, and they report she told investigators she went to Nesbitt’s workplace intending to kill him. According to the records, Nesbitt was shot multiple times, inside his vehicle and as he tried to run.

Nesbitt was remembered by family and the community as a loving father and an Army veteran; a candlelight vigil was held in his memory. Sykes was charged with first-degree murder and related firearm offenses; the case remains pending. If anyone witnessed the shooting or knew Nesbitt and has information that could help, please come forward.