On the night of November 18, 2024, firefighters in Portsmouth, Virginia, responded to a dumpster fire behind the Bethel Worship Center on Pepperwood Court. Once the flames were extinguished, the charred remains of a man were found inside and later identified as 45-year-old Kurtis Lee Watson, a Portsmouth resident.

An autopsy found multiple gunshot wounds to the head, back, thigh, and foot, and investigators say those injuries indicated Watson was dead before the fire was set. Detectives recovered a spent cartridge casing and bloodstains near the dumpster, and classified the death as a homicide. Nearby surveillance footage showed two unidentified people walking near the church about ten minutes before the 911 call; one appeared to be carrying a bag. No arrests or charges have been announced and the Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

If anyone saw Kurtis Watson the evening of November 18, or has information about the two people captured on video, please contact the Portsmouth Police Major Crimes Unit.