NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A man died Saturday after a shooting inside a store at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and police say the violence appears to have stemmed from an argument between two adults who crossed paths in the shopping center.
Police were called around 10:50 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived within one minute, aided by the department’s increased holiday patrols, and found a man with a gunshot wound.
Police identified the victim Monday as 26-year-old Diamante Tre’veon Neal, of Newport News. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and died about 30 minutes later.
Gary Carlton Moore III was taken into custody in connection with the shooting, police shared on Monday. He's charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm during a felony, discharging a firearm within occupied dwelling, and carrying a concealed weapon - second offense.
“We do have individual in custody, a person of interest. We are not looking for anyone else. There is evidence being recovered inside the store, two firearms have been recovered and some other items for evidence," Newport News Chief of Police Steve Drew said.
According to police, the two individuals involved had an earlier dispute elsewhere in the mall, believed to be near the food court, before encountering each other again inside a store, where the confrontation escalated.
Several employees in the immediate area attempted life-saving measures before first responders arrived. No bystanders were injured.
News 3 talked to Suffolk neighbor Henry Rodriguez in the parking lot of the mall. He says his wife was inside of the mall shopping, and saw the shooting occur.
“She called me saying that there was a shooting in the mall and everyone was running frantic, and taking shelter inside the stores.” Rodrigeuz said. “My girl, she’s a nurse, so I guess her instincts kicked in, and she tries to you know, help out wherever she can, and she gave CPR to the guy.”
City officials stressed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. While the mall’s main interior will remain closed for the rest of the day to allow investigators to process the scene, the exterior anchor stores — including Macy’s, JCPenney and Dick’s Sporting Goods — remain open. The full mall is expected to reopen Sunday.
Police are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses as they work with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine potential charges.
