Michael T. Porter was 27 and serving in the United States Navy when he was killed by a stray bullet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Monday, January 15, 2007. Originally from Bakersfield, California, he was described by friends and fellow service members as warm, respectful and well regarded during his early time in the Navy.

The shooting was treated as a homicide and investigators opened a probe to identify whoever fired the fatal round. There is no information indicating any suspects were identified or that arrests were made in connection with his death.

Michael Porter’s death is remembered by family and shipmates as a sudden, senseless loss that left a profound void. If anyone saw or heard anything related to Michael’s shooting in Virginia Beach on or around January 15, 2007, please come forward with information.