NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Television news reports from crime scenes are often nameless and faceless. That was the case Friday afternoon when 10 On Your Side brought you live reports from the 800 block of 35th Street in the Park Place section of Norfolk, where a then-unnamed 17-year-old boy was shot and killed.
Jordan Alexander Hill is his name, and he was the face of joy for his mother, grandmother and a host of aunties. According to family members, Hill was released from detention in March with plans for a bright future.
Hill lived in the Tanners Creek section of Norfolk and he held a job at Popeyes, according to his mother. Hill turned 17 July 6, and he had plans to transfer from Maury High School to Granby High School, according to his family.
That was before Friday, and now, his family and residents of the Park Place neighborhood are in mourning.
Guns Down advocate Clay Marquez also responded to the scene.
“And about 15 minutes out, I found out because my daughter called me and she was hysterical,” Marquez said, “and she was telling me that someone called her and told her that they had found Jordan on the ground, dead. I knew it was true once I saw the police lights,” said Marquez.
His family is overwhelmed with grief, but his grandmother asked 10 On Your side to share this statement: “Jordan knew who God was,” said Maria Spencer.
His family knows the community’s needs. His grandmother has served as a volunteer with Marquez’s Guns Down organization.
“My daughter goes to church with him and stuff, and he was just a great young guy; his life was stolen,” Marquez said.
Police have not released any information on a suspect or possible motive. The family will hold a candlelight vigil Tuesday in hopes the healing process can begin.