Amari Jeray Maxwell was 21 when he was fatally shot on December 17, 2024, in Newport News, Virginia. The shooting occurred at about 3:31 p.m. on Traverse Road while he was walking with his girlfriend and her two-year-old daughter. Amari reportedly urged them to run to safety and was struck as he ran behind them. Officers found him with a life-threatening gunshot wound; he was taken to a hospital and later died.

Amari’s family describe him as a loving, energetic young man who enjoyed music, rapping with his siblings, and football. He graduated from Warwick High School in 2021 and worked at a local McDonald’s. Friends, family, and coworkers held a vigil where they remembered his laugh and personality.

Newport News Police are investigating; no suspect information or arrests have been released. If anyone has information about the shooting, please contact investigators.