Charges set aside against man accused in Oceanfront shooting that injured 6

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — All charges against a man accused in a Virginia Beach Oceanfront shooting in March have been set aside, a judge confirmed on Thursday morning.

The Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney, serving as special prosecutor in the case, asked the judge to nolle prosequi all charges against Matheus Cavalcante, including a pretrial violation. The judge confirmed all charges were “nolle prossed” — meaning prosecutors dropped those charges for now, but they could bring them back in the future. Additionally, the judge found Cavalcante not guilty on the pretrial violation, which stemmed from a failed drug screening in June.

Cavalcante was charged in connection with a shooting on Atlantic Avenue in March. Investigators say gunfire broke out during a confrontation, injuring 6 people. Court documents say Cavalcante opened fire during the confrontation. His attorney maintained he acted in self-defense after an attempted robbery and said someone else fired first.

The shooting on March 7 was the first of two this spring that led to a curfew change at the Oceanfront.

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