A New Year’s bonfire in Spring Grove, Virginia, ended in bloodshed in the early hours of January 1, 2022. About 200 people had gathered in the 8600 block of Ellis Road when shots were fired just after midnight. Police arriving at about 12:30 a.m. found two gunshot victims in a grassy field. Tramaz Tynes, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. Devon Clanton, 22, of Dinwiddie County was taken to VCU Medical Center and later died of his wounds.

Investigators identified a suspect and on January 20, 2022 arrested 20-year-old Maurice Taylor Jr. of Portsmouth. He was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Clanton’s death and faced additional charges including use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm, obstruction of justice, threatening to kill or injure, and brandishing a firearm. Authorities said the investigation was ongoing and additional charges were expected.

If anyone attended the party or has information about what happened that night, please share details with the Prince George County Police Department.