Ashley James was 19 when he died on March 2, 2020, inside an apartment on Montauk Lane in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was with another adult male when a handgun they were handling discharged; the single gunshot struck James. Emergency medical services responded but he succumbed to his injuries.

The Chesapeake Police Department investigated and concluded the shooting was accidental. After review with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, authorities announced no criminal charges would be filed and the case was closed. James was a Black male, a standout basketball player who graduated from Green Run High School in 2019, was attending Hargrave Military Academy, and had committed to play for Missouri State. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, family, teammates, and coaches.

If anyone has information about that night or knew Ashley and can add context about his final hours, please share what is known.