Messiah Jarvis Martin, 21, was killed after a late-night trip to pick up his girlfriend at a Newport News apartment birthday party. On September 3, 2022, Martin went to the Aqueduct Apartments in the Denbigh area. Around 2:00 a.m., the party’s host, De’Aundre Malique Jarrett, reportedly tried to provoke a fight; Martin did not engage. Jarrett allegedly struck Martin in the back of the head. As Martin and his girlfriend attempted to leave, Jarrett produced a handgun and opened fire. Martin was struck in the head and back and was pronounced dead at the scene. His 21-year-old girlfriend was shot once in the chest and survived.

Police identified De’Aundre Malique Jarrett as the suspect and arrested him on charges that include first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Martin is described as a Black / African American male. No charges had been announced in connection with the girlfriend’s shooting, and that part of the investigation remains open.

If anyone was at the party or saw Martin that night, contact investigators with any information.