NOTE: This video is previous coverage from 4/6/24

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – A man was found guilty of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in relation to a shooting on April 5, 2024, according to the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The victim, 21-year-old Kalani Matthaeus Bailey-Cortez, was shot outside of a friend’s house after taking his friend home from a party they attended. The mother of Bailey-Cortez’s child also attended the same party and requested the suspect, 19-year-old Sa’Quan Tyreese Ward, to pick her up, says the CA’s office.

Evidence from the CA’s office showed that after Bailey-Cortez’s friend went inside their home, a SUV containing Ward pulled up to Bailey-Cortez’s parked car. Ward exited the vehicle and proceeded to shoot five times into Bailey-Cortez’s car as he was trying to drive away.

Bailey-Cortez died at the scene.

Police investigated the incident and reviewed doorbell footage of the incident, as well as Ward’s cell phone which contained images and videos with a firearm consistent of the one used in the shooting.

Ward was 17 at the time of the incident, but the case was certified to the Circuit Court for trial as an adult due to the severity of the crimes, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.