On the morning of July 30, 2022, 19-year-old Ja’Quise De’Juan Beard of Danville was killed by gunfire on the 700 block of Stokes Street. Officers responding to a shooting call at about 3:48 AM found Beard on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound; he received emergency treatment at the scene and was taken to SOVAH Danville Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead. A 24-year-old woman who had been with him was also shot; her wounds were described as non-life-threatening and she was transported for care.

Police say a vehicle approached while Beard and the woman were standing in front of a residence and multiple rounds were fired from the vehicle. Authorities have characterized the attack as targeted, not random. Detectives and crime-scene personnel canvassed Stokes Street, and investigators have appealed for video or witnesses. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced. If anyone has information or footage that could help, please contact the Danville Police or Crime Stoppers.