The Newport News community is facing shock and sadness after a deadly shooting inside Patrick Henry Mall over the weekend. Authorities have identified the suspect accused of killing 26-year-old Diamante Tre’veon Neal, who was fatally shot inside a retail store on Saturday morning. Police say the incident appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute, not a random or widespread act of violence, and they are working to reassure the public as the investigation continues.
Officials announced that Gary Carlton Moore III has been charged in connection with the shooting. His charges include second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm inside an occupied building, and felony carrying a concealed weapon—second offense. These serious charges reflect the severity of the incident, which unfolded during a busy time at the mall, raising immediate concern among shoppers and employees who were present.
Police responded to the scene just before 11 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire inside the mall. When officers arrived, they found Neal suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound inside one of the businesses. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical teams, he did not survive. Loved ones and community members now mourn the loss of a young man whose life ended suddenly and tragically.
According to investigators, the shooting appears to have been an isolated confrontation between the suspect and the victim. Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew explained during a news conference that the two men had exchanged words near the food court earlier that morning. The conflict later escalated when they encountered each other again inside the mall, ultimately leading to the violent encounter that cost Neal his life.
Chief Drew emphasized that the public should not fear an ongoing threat, clarifying that this was not a mass shooting or a random attack. “We did not want the public to perceive this as a mass shooting or a situation involving multiple victims within the mall,” he said. “These were two individuals within a smaller store. A verbal altercation began earlier, and unfortunately escalated when they met again.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are gathering witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and working to piece together the full timeline of events. Meanwhile, the community is left grieving for Diamante Neal, whose loved ones now face an unimaginable loss. The tragic incident has also prompted renewed conversations about violence, conflict resolution, and the importance of safety within public spaces.
