NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A man has been charged with second-degree murder following a shooting incident at the Patrick Henry Mall that left another man dead. The accused, 26-year-old Gary Carlton Moore III of Newport News, asserts he acted in self-defense, yet investigators suggest surveillance footage shows a different narrative.
According to court filings, the confrontation occurred Saturday morning inside a clothing shop named New Square. Witnesses reported a struggle, and law enforcement discovered 26-year-old Diamante Tre’von Neal lying in the store when they arrived around 10:50 a.m. Neal later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Moore reportedly admitted to firing the weapon but claimed he did so after Neal threatened his life. However, investigators noted that video footage captured Moore approaching Neal before they engaged in a brief altercation. During this scuffle, Moore is said to have wrested a firearm from Neal.
The video evidence captures a crucial moment where Neal appears to be retreating when Moore draws his own gun, shooting him multiple times. The footage indicates that while shooting, Moore held Neal’s weapon in his left hand. This significant detail could play a pivotal role in the prosecution’s case against him.
Police recovered multiple firearms, a knife, several cell phones, and a wallet from the scene, underscoring the volatile nature of the encounter. In addition to the murder charge, Moore faces multiple firearms-related offenses, including the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
After being taken into custody, Moore reportedly chose not to speak further with investigators. The case has drawn attention in the community, as residents grapple with the implications of gun violence in public spaces. While the legal process unfolds, family and friends of Neal mourn the loss of a life cut short.
As the investigation continues, it highlights pressing issues surrounding self-defense claims in violent encounters, raising questions about accountability and the use of firearms in everyday situations.