Danville, VA: Police Issue Update in Sunday Morning Homicide, Identify Primary Suspect Jaiquawn Amos Powell

Danville, VA: Police Issue Update in Sunday Morning Homicide, Identify Primary Suspect Jaiquawn Amos Powell

DANVILLE, VA — The Danville Police Department has released a significant update regarding the homicide that occurred early on the morning of Sunday, July 27, 2025. The victim, a 32-year-old man whose name has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was found dead at a residence on the city’s east side. Following a thorough investigation, police have identified Jaiquawn Amos Powell, 28, as the primary suspect in the case. Powell has been formally charged with second-degree murder, and authorities are actively seeking his whereabouts.

The murder has left the community in shock, as this marks the first homicide in Danville this year. Investigators are now working tirelessly to piece together the details surrounding the incident and bring Powell to justice.

A Grieving Community: Shock and Sadness Over the Loss

The Sunday morning homicide has reverberated throughout Danville, a city known for its small-town charm and strong sense of community. Residents who have lived in the area for decades are shaken by the violent crime, particularly because of its proximity to their homes. The neighborhood where the incident occurred is one where families typically feel safe, making this tragedy all the more unsettling.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and something like this—it’s just hard to wrap your head around,” said local resident Vanessa Thompson, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years. “We never expect something like this to happen so close to home.”

The victim, a man who was reportedly a father, a son, and a longtime friend to many in the community, was discovered at a residence on East Memorial Drive. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 5:45 a.m. on Sunday after receiving a 911 call. Upon their arrival, they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from paramedics to save his life.

Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s identity, pending notification of next of kin, but sources close to the investigation confirm that the victim was known to be a local resident with no prior criminal record. He had reportedly been in a domestic dispute with Powell before the deadly altercation occurred.

Identifying the Suspect: Jaiquawn Amos Powell

The Danville Police Department has been diligent in their pursuit of Jaiquawn Amos Powell, who is now officially considered a wanted fugitive. Powell, a 28-year-old male from Danville, has been described by police as armed and dangerous. Authorities have stated that Powell should not be approached under any circumstances, and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

“Mr. Powell is a suspect in a serious and violent crime,” said Captain Marcus Foster, a spokesperson for the Danville Police Department. “We urge anyone who may have seen him or has any information to come forward. Every piece of information could be critical in helping us bring closure to this case.”

Powell is believed to have fled the scene following the shooting, and investigators suspect he may have traveled out of the immediate Danville area. A multi-jurisdictional search is underway, with law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties and the Virginia State Police involved in the search for Powell.

Second-Degree Murder Charge: What Does It Mean?

Powell has been charged with second-degree murder, a charge that carries a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 40 years, depending on the circumstances. In Virginia, second-degree murder typically involves intentional killing that is not premeditated, or killings that occur during the heat of passion, rather than as a result of deliberate planning.

Second-degree murder is often considered a lesser charge than first-degree murder, which requires proof of premeditation, but still carries a significant punishment for the offender. Authorities have yet to comment on the specific circumstances that led to the shooting, but they have confirmed that Powell and the victim had a history of personal conflict.

“While the details of the altercation are still under investigation, we know that this wasn’t a random act of violence,” said Captain Foster. “This incident appears to have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the suspect and the victim.”

The Investigation: Searching for Clues and Answers

The Danville Police Department has been working tirelessly to piece together the events that led up to the shooting. Investigators are reviewing evidence from the scene, including witness statements and surveillance footage from nearby businesses, in hopes of uncovering more details about the motive and how the altercation escalated into deadly violence.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned,” said Lieutenant Sharon Bellamy, the lead investigator in the case. “We’re speaking with witnesses, collecting all available evidence, and following up on every lead that we have.”

One of the key aspects of the investigation involves piecing together the timeline of the victim’s final hours. Authorities are working with local businesses and residents who may have seen anything unusual around the time of the shooting. Additionally, investigators are working closely with Powell’s known associates and family members to try and locate him.

The police department has also issued a plea to the public for any additional information that may help in their search. “If you know where Jaiquawn Powell is or if you have any information that could help us locate him, please come forward,” said Captain Foster. “Your help is invaluable.”

A Community in Crisis: Coping with the Aftermath

The homicide has not only left a family grieving but has also deeply affected the local community. The residents of Danville, many of whom have known the victim and his family for years, are grappling with feelings of sadness, fear, and anger. A vigil is planned for Wednesday evening at the Danville Community Center to honor the victim’s life and offer support to the family.

“It’s hard to believe something like this could happen here,” said Thomas Wheeler, a lifelong resident of Danville. “This community is close-knit, and we take care of each other. Losing someone this way—it’s just heartbreaking.”

Local churches have also stepped up to provide emotional and spiritual support for the victim’s family, as well as the broader community, who are struggling to cope with the trauma of the murder. The Danville Clergy Association has called for a day of prayer and reflection on August 1, urging everyone to come together to seek healing and peace.

“Even in times like this, our faith is what gets us through,” said Reverend James Ross, president of the Danville Clergy Association. “We are all grieving, but we are also leaning on each other for support. We pray that justice will be served, and that the family finds peace in this difficult time.”

The Search for Justice: What Happens Next

The investigation into the homicide remains ongoing, with local law enforcement and the community working together to ensure that justice is served. As of now, Jaiquawn Amos Powell is still at large, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We will continue to pursue this case until the suspect is apprehended,” said Captain Foster. “This is a priority for the department, and we are committed to ensuring that the family of the victim receives the justice they deserve.”

The case has also drawn attention from national organizations advocating for crime victims and their families. The National Organization for Victim Assistance has offered support and resources to the victim’s family, as well as assistance for the community members impacted by the crime.

A Call for Community Unity

As the Danville Police Department continues its search for Jaiquawn Powell, the community of Danville remains united in grief and in the desire for justice. The tragic loss of a life, along with the unresolved fear surrounding Powell’s whereabouts, has brought the town together in an effort to heal and find peace amidst the sorrow.

In the coming days, it is expected that the Danville Police Department will issue further updates regarding the search for Powell, as well as additional details on the investigation. Local officials have called for continued cooperation from the public to help bring closure to this senseless act of violence.

Anyone with information about Jaiquawn Amos Powell’s location is urged to contact the Danville Police Department at (434) 799-5111, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.