Norfolk, Va. – A Norfolk family is pleading for information that could help Norfolk police find the person shot and killed their loved one early Friday morning.
As Norfolk Police search for the killer of 25-year-old Shawn Ballard and 23-year-old Antonio Reed, Reed’s family is hoping someone who knows something will come forward.
Both families have been delt with the worst news a family could be given.
Through the tears and pain, Antonio Reed’s family got in front of our camera, begging for someone to come forward.
“We, the Reed family, truly ask for the communities help in trying to help us bring the murderer of my brother in law, her son, their brother, to justice,” said George Thompson.
The past few days have undoubtedly been difficult for Antonio Reed’s family.
Antonio’s mom, Gayle, couldn’t even talk.
“He was only here visiting, he was about to leave to go back home, and life was taken from him, gunned down.”
Police say it happened here on Arkansas Avenue.
Around 12:45 Friday morning, an emergency call for gunfire was made and officers arrived minutes later.
Detectives found the body of 25-year-old Shawn Ballard inside his car parking along this curb.
Minutes later, Antonio Reed was found lying dead in an empty lot just feet away.
Relatives say the two were simpatico, friends since they were kids.
Friday morning, they died together.
“It hurts us, deeply, he was a part of the challenge program. He was a merchant seaman, he got his life together, he was doing wonderful, and his life was taken. Senseless.”
Who did this?
Nobody is saying, and police have not made any arrests.
That’s adding to the pain of all this for Antonio Reed’s family, who is at a loss tonight.
“Everybody’s life has been affected now. Who ever has done this, please come forward, anybody that knows anything, come forward. Talk to the police.”
The family is taking other avenues to remember Antonio as well.
They’re planning a candlelight vigil Sunday evening at 5 on Arkansas Avenue, where the two men died.
In the meantime, if you have any information on who killed Reed and Ballard, take action and call the crime line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
