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Family pleads for answers after Hampton University student is killed

Posted at 12:12 PM, Oct 31, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-03 17:44:04-05

Norfolk, Va. - Hampton University is mourning the loss of one of their students who was killed in a weekend shooting in Norfolk.

Police have identified the victim as 20-year-old Joseph Bose of Alexandria, Virginia.

Corporal Melinda Wray with Norfolk Police says they responded to reports of a possible shooting victim at the intersection of West 35th Street and Killam Ave. at around 3:15 a.m. Saturday morning.

Upon arrival, Wray says they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Medics pronounced him dead on scene.

Hampton University announced in a release that they are extremely saddened by the death of Bose, a junior journalism major.

"A Hampton University student lost his life at 3:15 a.m. near the campus of ODU in Norfolk, Virginia. We as a community are embracing our students, offering counseling, and keeping the family of Mr. Bose in our prayers," says B. Da'Vida Plummer, assistant V.P. for Hampton University marketing/media.

Fellow students remember Bose as funny, friendly, and a people person who would never hurt anyone.

"Joe is not the type of person to fight for as long as I've known him. I've never seen him get into one fight, not even yell at anybody, so I don't see how that could have happened," says Anthony Beach, senior at Hampton University.

Norfolk Police are investigating the incident as an active homicide. They still haven't released any suspect information.

There was another shooting overnight that left a man dead and sent two others to the hospital, and in response to "this morning's violence" Police Chief Michael Goldsmith held a formal conference Saturday afternoon.

Goldsmith says after preliminary investigations it has been determined both incidents started after arguments turned into fights. He challenged the question, "When did it become okay to solve a fight with a gun?"

He went on to say it takes the entire community to take a stand against violence.

Neighbors say there are shootings in their area often and they are sick and tired of it.

"The fact that it is happening back to back every weekend almost, it makes me nervous to even go to class," says Cynnamin Gardner.

Grief counseling is available for any students who may need it at HU Counseling Center located in Armstrong Slater Hall or by calling 757-727-5617.

"As a parent, I cannot fathom this inherent disregard for human life. As a Police Chief, I refuse to allow this mentality to become commonplace in our city," says Chief Goldsmith.

On Tuesday, the family pleaded with the public for answers.  The Norfolk Police Department held a news conference asking anyone to take action and come forward with information about the murder.

"He was bright, he was loving, he was excellent. He had a smile that could more than light up the room. It would light up the entire house," says Brett Pulley, The Hampton University journalism school dean.

Police say Joe's family is offering their own reward for any tips that may lead to an arrest.

If you have any information that may help Police, Take Action and call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.