In the summer of 2018 a planned drug-for-gun exchange in downtown Newport News, Virginia, ended in homicide. On July 26, 31-year-old Javon Stephenson traveled from Virginia Beach to meet Damontaze Montrell Tillery for what had been arranged as a trade of a firearm for ecstasy. During the encounter Tillery shot Stephenson in the chest. Stephenson’s vehicle kept running with his foot on the accelerator until a bystander stopped it; an off-duty Newport News firefighter found Stephenson, noticed smoke, and emergency services were called. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was unarmed but still carrying the ecstasy he had intended to trade.

Investigators identified 24-year-old Damontaze Montrell Tillery of Hampton as the shooter. The case description notes Tillery had prior felony convictions and gang affiliation and that the investigation led to his arrest and prosecution on charges including use of a firearm resulting in death and related drug and weapons offenses. Anyone who knew Javon Stephenson, saw him in Newport News on July 26, 2018, or has information about the exchange is asked to come forward.