Hanover County, Virginia – Court documents revealed new details surrounding the tragic shooting at a party in Hanover County on April 6, shedding light on the events leading to the death of 16-year-old Matthew Devine, a student at Colonial Heights High School.
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, which unfolded during a large party in the area of Agape Lane and McClellan Road. Deputies were initially called to the scene for a parking complaint before reports of gunshots and a male with a gunshot wound emerged.
Upon arrival at McClellan Road, where the party was dispersing, authorities discovered blood stains and found Devine lying on the ground, fatally shot in the chest. Despite efforts to provide first aid, Devine was pronounced dead at 11:25 p.m.
Witnesses described an altercation between Devine and an unidentified male in a blue hoodie, leading to a confrontation where both parties drew firearms. The suspect fled the scene on foot as chaos ensued among the partygoers.
A subsequent search of the crime scene and nearby vehicles uncovered incriminating evidence, including firearms inside vehicles, a sling pack resembling one the suspect may have carried, and an unfired ammunition cartridge near the shooting location.
In connection to the shooting, 18-year-old James Rashawn Smith of Ashland faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and maliciously shooting at an occupied building. Another individual, Jayvian Marrece Threatt of Petersburg, was arrested for attempted murder and using a firearm while committing a felony.
Smith’s next court appearance is set for a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hearing, given Devine’s status as a minor. Threatt’s hearing is scheduled for June 21, 2024, in the General District Court, as authorities continue to piece together the events of that fateful night.