One of the two people killed during a hostage situation in Chesapeake early Sunday, died trying to protect his mom, his grandmother told News Channel 3 Monday.
According to Miriam Bazemore, 19-year-old Derwin Watts was a senior at I.C. Norcom High School where he had just made the honor roll. She said he was planning to go to Norfolk State University to pursue a career in robotics.
“He was so respectful, the sweetest, kindest young man that anyone could ever lay their eyes on. Loved his mom, always such a protector for his mom,” said Bazemore.
Bazemore said he died Sunday doing just that – trying to protect his mom.
According to police, Watts was one of five hostages being held in an apartment on Canal Drive Sunday around 1 a.m.
The suspect, Charles Collins, 44, of Pollicksville, N.C., was his mom’s ex-boyfriend.
Bazemore said that at one point during the hostage situation, Watts saw Collins moving towards his mom, so he tried to stop him.
“Derwin interceded and tried to tackle him and they had a scuffle,” said Bazemore.
Police say Watts was shot. He made it out of the apartment but later died at the hospital.
A SWAT team was then sent in after continued negotiations with Collins were unsuccessful. Once they were in the apartment, police say they shot Collins in the head. He survived and was taken to the hospital.
Police then found another man inside the apartment who they say Collins had shot and killed - Michael Temple, 40, of Elizabeth City, N.C.
News Channel 3 did some digging and found that Collins has a lengthy criminal record in his home state of North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina Department of Correction's website, his convictions include assault on a female, robbery, drug charges and most recently assault with a deadly weapon.
He was released from prison on the latest charge in 2009.
In Virginia, Collins is currently facing a charge from earlier this year of attempted malicious wounding in Chesapeake.
His charges from Sunday's hostage situation include two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of abduction and multiple firearms charges.
The family of Derwin Watts told News Channel 3 the teen's death was something they had never expected or planned for, and they would appreciate any support they can get from the community to pay for his services.
An account has been set up in his memory. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank into an account in the name of Derwin "DJ" Watts.
