Eric Blackshear was 27 when he was shot in the late hours of August 17, 2017. Newport News police were called to the 7400 block of River Road at about 9:57 p.m.; officers found Blackshear with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was taken to a local hospital and died in the early hours of August 18, 2017.

Within a week the investigation focused on a person of interest. On August 24, 2017, 25-year-old Donell Anthony Howard turned himself in and was charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Those charges were later nol prossed and the case remained unresolved for years.

A cold case review has since produced new information and the investigation continues. If anyone knew Eric, saw activity on River Road that night, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.