On January 1, 2015, officers were dispatched to a BP gas station located on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News in reference to a shooting. When they arrived on scene, they observed, Jerrod Reid, a then 23-year-old, Newport News man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Mr. Reid was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. At that time, officers received information from a concerned citizen regarding the incident, a person of interest and a vehicle that was involved in the shooting.
After further investigation, on January 7, 2015, homicide detectives arrested 28-year-old Rishaud Powell at his residence in Newport News for the murder of Jerrod Reid. Rishaud Powell was charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Last week, March 15, 2019, Mr. Rishaud Powell was convicted of second degree murder and use of a firearm in the 2015 homicide of Jerrod Reid. On Monday, March 18, 2019, he was sentenced to 13 years for the homicide and five years for the firearms charge.
“NNPD homicide detectives, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and other team members here at the NNPD have dedicated many hours to this case and I commend them for their perseverance in seeing that justice was served. Although this news certainly can’t bring the victim back, we hope that the outcome will bring some closure to the family,” said Chief of Police, Steve Drew. “Thank you also to the citizen who came forward. This is an excellent example of how we, the Police Department, can work together with the community to keep Newport News safe,” added Drew.
(Please note that the booking photo enclosed is from Mr. Powell’s arrest on January 7, 2015).