HAMPTON, Va. — A tragic shooting on Monday, June 30, 2025, claimed the life of 52-year-old Larry Smith, with 21-year-old Da’Quan Jones now in police custody following a deadly altercation on Burton Street in Hampton. The Hampton Police Division responded to the scene in the 800 block of Burton Street, near the intersection with Big Bethel Road, just before 1:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found Smith lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, the incident stemmed from a verbal confrontation between Smith and Jones that escalated while the two were walking in the area. During the argument, Jones allegedly drew a firearm and shot Smith. Jones, a Hampton resident, was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. He faces charges including second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm, and willful discharge of a firearm in public.
**Alleged Shooter’s Father Defends His Son**
The aftermath of the shooting saw raw emotions from both families involved. Lorenzo Jones, the father of Da’Quan Jones, spoke to 13News Now, insisting that his son acted in self-defense. “This is crazy. Now my child is in jail,” Lorenzo said, visibly shaken. “He doesn’t harm anybody for no reason. This man [Larry Smith] was trying to hurt my child, and that’s why he fired his firearm. That’s the only reason. He’s nobody’s murderer, he’s nobody’s killer. That’s not who he is.”
Lorenzo further claimed that a family member had previously filed for a protective order against Smith several months ago, hinting at prior tensions. However, police have not confirmed the existence of such an order, and details about any previous conflicts remain under investigation.
**Eyewitness Describes the Chaos**
Sonya Ivey, a nearby resident, recounted the harrowing moments of the shooting to investigators and reporters. From her bedroom window, she heard gunshots and witnessed Smith collapse. “I’m shocked, scared,” Ivey said. “I thought this was a safe neighborhood. He [Jones] was running away after seeing this man lying there lifeless, and just the disregard for what he had just done—to this man, to his family—it was hard to watch.” Ivey expressed dismay at the incident, questioning why it occurred and whether it could have been prevented.
**Community and Families Grapple with Loss**
The shooting has left a profound impact on the Hampton community, with two families reeling from the tragedy. Smith’s loved ones, devastated by their loss, were too overcome with grief to speak on camera but conveyed a desperate need for answers and justice. Meanwhile, the Jones family remains in disbelief, defending Da’Quan as someone without a violent nature. “I’m still delirious right now. I can’t believe this happened,” Lorenzo Jones said.
The Hampton Police Division’s Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the altercation and any prior history between the individuals involved. Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the dispute or confirmed claims of a protective order. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Hampton Police Division or the Crime Line at 888-562-5887.
As the investigation continues, the Hampton community mourns the loss of Larry Smith and confronts the stark reality of gun violence, leaving many to reflect on how quickly a moment of conflict can alter lives forever.
