VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Five men have been convicted for their roles in a 2021 shooting that killed 18-year-old Damion Julio Rodriguez-Kirkland in Virginia Beach.
Prosecutors say all five were members of the “Spazz” gang and opened fire on Rodriguez-Kirkland’s car on June 14, 2021, mistaking him and three others for rival gang members. Nearly 50 shots were fired, and Rodriguez-Kirkland later died from his injuries.
Convicted are:
- Hassan Abdul Johnson, 22, was convicted by a jury last week of second-degree murder, gang participation, and related gun charges. He faces sentencing on Dec. 15.
- Nasir Nesshon Thomas, 20, was sentenced to 68 years in prison.
- Zion Maleek Urquhart, 22, received a 22-year sentence after pleading guilty.
- Omari Andre Green, 23, was sentenced to 35 years.
- Malachi Isaiah Handy, 23, received a 12-year sentence.
Investigators say the group had been breaking into cars in the Lake Edward area while driving stolen vehicles before spotting Rodriguez-Kirkland’s car. The victim and his friends had no gang ties…