The Fatal Night in Twin Pines (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Norfolk, Va. – A former Marine father continues to track every day since his son’s life ended in a hail of gunfire. Marcus Snipes marked three years, two months, and four days on April 16, recounting the drive-by shooting that claimed 17-year-old Jordan Snipes outside a Portsmouth party.[1][2] The case remains open, with no arrests despite public appeals from police and family. Snipes now directs his urgent message toward fellow parents amid persistent youth gun violence in the region.
The Fatal Night in Twin Pines
On February 11, 2023, just after 8:30 p.m., Jordan Harris Snipes stood in a parking lot on the 4000 block of Cedar Lane in Portsmouth’s Twin Pines neighborhood. The Lake Taylor High School senior had joined friends at a sweet 16 party advertised on social media, after telling his father he planned a night at Dave & Buster’s.[3][2] Two sedans – one dark, one light – approached and unleashed about 15 rounds from 9mm and.40 caliber weapons in a brazen drive-by attack.
Jordan suffered the only gunshot wound among those present. Paramedics rushed him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he clung to life overnight. The next day, Marcus Snipes made the agonizing decision to remove life support. His son offered a final smile, shed two teardrops, and breathed his last, surrounded by family.[1]
A Family’s Enduring Heartache
Marcus Snipes, a former Marine who raised Jordan in Norfolk, described the void left behind. Young relatives still call the teen “Barefoot Bear” and ask daily when Uncle Jordan will return home. Jordan’s mother, Leah Harris, remembered him as the family peacemaker who wanted everyone to get along.[1] The high school senior dreamed of becoming a park ranger and veterinarian, with college acceptance already in hand…