Petersburg police have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday in the eastern end of the city, in what marks the latest Petersburg fatal shooting investigation to reach a quick arrest. The suspect, Dionte Treyvon Howard, was taken into custody after investigators linked him to the October 10 killing on Pin Oaks Drive, and he now faces second-degree murder charges along with two firearm offenses.
TL;DR: Police in Petersburg, Virginia, arrested 29-year-old Dionte Treyvon Howard on October 12 in connection with a fatal shooting two days earlier in the 1400 block of Pin Oaks Drive. Howard is charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and use of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held without bond while the case moves forward.
The Late-Night Arrest Announcement
The Petersburg Bureau of Police confirmed the arrest in a statement released late Monday night, October 12, identifying Howard as the suspect in the weekend homicide. According to police, Howard was charged with three offenses: second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and use of a firearm by a convicted felon. The last charge indicates the suspect has a prior felony conviction on his record, which barred him from legally possessing a gun.
Police said Howard is being held without bond as the investigation continues and the case heads toward the courts. No additional suspects have been named, and authorities have not said what evidence led investigators to Howard or whether the suspect and the victim knew each other before the shooting.
The Shooting on Pin Oaks Drive
The deadly encounter unfolded on the morning of Saturday, October 10, in the 1400 block of Pin Oaks Drive, located in the eastern end of Petersburg. First responders who arrived at the scene found a man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts to resuscitate him there, the victim was later pronounced dead at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim, and no details about the circumstances that led up to the shooting have been released. Investigators are expected to continue piecing together the timeline of events in the days ahead, and police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
The department addressed the broader toll of gun violence in its announcement, noting that it recognizes the lasting impact gun violence has on victims, families, and neighborhoods. Police said the bureau remains committed to addressing gun violence, holding offenders accountable, and working with the community to promote public safety for all Petersburg residents, according to the Progress-Index.
What Happens Next in the Case
Howard’s no-bond status means he will remain in custody at least until a court hearing addresses his detention. Under Virginia law, a defendant charged with second-degree murder faces a potential prison sentence of five to forty years if convicted, in addition to the separate penalties attached to each firearm charge.
As with any case at this stage, Howard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will review the evidence gathered by the Petersburg Bureau of Police to determine how to proceed, which could include presenting the case to a grand jury for indictment.
The victim’s family, friends, and the Pin Oaks Drive neighborhood are left grappling with another act of deadly violence. Residents who saw or heard anything around the time of the shooting are encouraged to contact the Petersburg Bureau of Police directly or through the department’s tip lines.
FAQ
Who was arrested in the Petersburg fatal shooting?
Dionte Treyvon Howard, a 29-year-old man, was arrested on October 12 in connection with the fatal shooting. He was identified as the suspect by the Petersburg Bureau of Police in a late-night statement.
What charges does Dionte Treyvon Howard face?
Howard is charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and use of a firearm by a convicted felon. The firearm-by-convicted-felon charge indicates he has a prior felony conviction.
Where did the Petersburg shooting happen?
The shooting happened on October 10 in the 1400 block of Pin Oaks Drive, in the eastern end of Petersburg, Virginia.
Has the victim been identified?
As of the police announcement, the victim had not been publicly identified. First responders found an unidentified man with a life-threatening gunshot wound, and he was later pronounced dead at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center.
Is the suspect being held on bond?
No. Police said Howard is being held without bond while the case proceeds through the legal system.
What is second-degree murder under Virginia law?
Second-degree murder in Virginia is a homicide committed without premeditation. A conviction carries a sentence of five to forty years in prison, and it does not apply when the killing occurs during certain felonies, which are charged separately.
How can I share information about the case?
Anyone with information about the October 10 shooting is encouraged to contact the Petersburg Bureau of Police or use the department’s crime tip lines to assist investigators.
