Newport News police charge man in the death of James Dix

Thanks to an ongoing investigation and community assistance, Newport News homicide detectives have identified the suspect in the murder of James Wesley Dix.

The Newport News Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit found the 17-year-old Newport News boy accused of killing Dix in a motel in the 2700 block of West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton around 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 and took him into custody without incident, according to a police report.

The juvenile has been charged with one count each of murder, robbery, possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a juvenile and two counts of using a firearm during the commission of a felony. Releasing the identity of juveniles arrested on criminal charges is prohibited under state law.

Detectives thanked the community and the media for their help in identifying and locating the suspect in the press release.

The firearm found in the 1300 block of 25th Street during the investigation is believed to be the weapon used by the suspect. Around 5:29 a.m. Monday, July 9 Police Communications received a call regarding a shooting at 25th Street and Parish Avenue. Officers arrived about two minutes later and found Dix in the 2500 block of Parish Avenue.

Officers learned that Dix was waiting at the bus stop at 25th Street and Parish Avenue when a man armed with a long gun approached him. The man robbed and shot Dix, who ran and was chased by the man, who continued to shoot at him, according to the polic report. Dix collapsed and the shooter was last seen running west on 26th Street.

Dix provided officers with a description of his assailant before medics took him to a local hospital. Dix died after arriving at the hospital.

The shooter was initially described as a black man in his 20s, six-two or six-three, and weighing 160 to 180 pounds with a medium-to-dark complexion and shoulder-length dreadlocks. He wore white tennis shoes and a New York baseball cap.

This news report is based on information provided by law enforcement authorities. If you believe this report is in error, please contact the issuing authority.

Filed under: CRIME