VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — With AI and deepfakes, we have to question any shocking video that emerges anymore — and ask ‘is this real?’ Evidence shown in court at last month’s preliminary hearing for Travis Hunter, 45, was not manipulated. And unlike many crime videos, it gives a clear picture of what happened.
A grand jury has indicted Hunter for second-degree murder for a killing in his Virginia Beach apartment building. His attorney says he acted in the heat of passion – so it can’t be murder, but rather, manslaughter. A familiar legal expert disagrees. In terms of prison, the difference is huge: as little as one year to as many as 40 years.
‘Heat of passion’ defense in Virginia Beach murder case
Hunter was taking his puppy out for a walk the morning of December 20, 2025, at his Sparrows Point apartment complex off Lynnhaven Parkway. It was a slice of life that four minutes later would end with the death of 35-year-old Brinte’ Walston.
Hunter’s defense attorney Kristin Paulding said it wasn’t murder: “It’s a very obvious heat-of-passion case.”…