Suspect Donell Anthony Howard. Credit: NNPD
On Aug. 17, 2017, Newport News Police Department (Virginia) responded to the 7400 block of River Road in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, they located Eric Blackshear, who was suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was 27-years-old at the time. Later, he succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
On Aug. 24, 2017, Donell Anthony Howard was arrested for Blackshear’s murder and charged with second degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was 25-years-old at the time. The case was ultimately nol prossed (essentially a dismissal of charges by the prosecution).
However, due to new information about Blackshear’s murder, the NNPD Cold Case Team recently reopened the case. On Oct. 15, 2024, the Grand Jury of Newport News issued indictments for Donell Howard including: first degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Howard was taken into custody on Monday, seven years after the murder .
“As I have stated many times, this won’t bring Mr. Blackshear back, but seven years is a long time to wait for news like this and we all sincerely hope it helps to bring some form of closure to a family who has suffered a great loss,” said Chief Steve Drew. “I’m extremely proud of the work our Cold Case Team is doing. They are working on many cases and we look forward to being able to share more stories like this soon.”
The NNPD’s Cold Case team is brand new, just formed at the end of August 2024. The team comprises two full-time homicide detectives and one investigator, who is a retired homicide detective. Together, they bring over 80 years of combined experience in law enforcement with an emphasis on complex investigations.
“Newport News Police Department is currently at an 81.8% clearance rate for homicides in the city — exceeding the national average as reported by the FBI by almost 30% (National Clearance Rates for homicides is 52.3%.) However, one unsolved murder, is one too many and with the new NNPD Cold Case Team, we hope to help those families desperately looking for answers. We have assembled a skilled and compassionate team dedicated to making this happen,” said Drew.
NNPD encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to support their efforts in solving unsolved murders by sharing information and reporting any relevant tips to the team.
“Together, with your help, the NNPD Cold Case Team can bring closure to families and make Newport News an even safer place to live,” said Drew.
Cold Case Team Members:
Master Police Officer/Detective Amber Rogers
Master Police Officer/Detective Aaron Thornton
Investigator and Retired Detective Misty Mercer
Republished courtesy of NNPD