PORTSMOUTH POLICE INVESTIGATE HOMICIDE ON DALE DRIVE, SUSPECTS CHARGED
UPDATE: 2/282023
Officers arrested 26-year-old Herschel Watkins Jr. in connection to the homicide of 22-year-old Ashanti Syncere Allah Britt. He is charged with Second Degree Murder, Malicious Shooting, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Concealing Compounding Evidence.
UPDATE: 10/16/2022
Investigators have arrested a 16-year-old male in connection to this homicide. He is charged with 2nd Degree Murder (Second Principal), Malicious Shooting, Concealing Compounding Evidence, Accessory After the Fact, and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
UPDATE: 9/26/2022
Investigators are trying to identify this unknown Person of Interest.
(This person has been identified and located, he is a juvenile.)
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
PORTSMOUTH, VA — On September 24, 2022, at approximately 4:13 a.m. officers responded to the 200 block of Dale Drive for a reported gunshot wound incident. Upon arrival officers located 22-year-old Ashanti Syncere Allah Britt suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Britt’s wounds proved fatal, next of kin has been notified.
Investigators are searching for 26 year-old Herschel Allen Bernard Watkins Jr. He is charged with Second Degree Murder, Malicious Shooting, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Concealing Compounding Evidence.
Additionally, 19-year-old Elijah Drew was arrested today in connection with the homicide. He was charged with Concealing Compounding Evidence. He is currently being held in the Portsmouth City Jail with a $3500 Secured Bond.
We urge those with information about this incident or Watkin’s whereabouts to contact the PPD Investigations Bureau at 757–393–8536. Or call the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP. You can also reach the Crime Line at **TIPS (**8477). Callers can also submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Line’s “P3 Tips” app or visit their website at www.portscrimeline.com. As always, Crime Line tipsters are never asked to give their name or required to testify in court. If a crime line caller’s tip leads to an arrest, or the recovery of drugs or stolen property they could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.
