CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A Chesapeake man admitted to shooting another man during a road rage incident on South Military Highway Friday morning, according to newly filed court documents.
Leonard Parker, 55, is facing second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony charges. On Monday morning, he appeared behind a video screen in Chesapeake General District Court as a judge appointed him a public defender for his upcoming bond hearing.
Chesapeake police officers responded to a car accident on South Military Highway and Canal Drive at around 5:40 am Friday.
They found a man, later identified as 51-year-old Derrick Knight, on the roadway. Detectives learned someone shot and killed Knight at the scene, and he was not hit by a car.
Court documents say after investigators collected videos, photos and witness statements, they identified the suspect's vehicle which belonged to Parker. Authorities later located Parker and his car and interviewed him. He faces second-degree murder and gun charges.
Police said he was cooperative during the police interview. Court documents show Parker told detectives the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident. Documents also reveal he admitted to shooting Knight one time and then leaving the scene without calling 911.
It’s unclear if the suspect and victim knew each other.
According to a bail determinations sheet, Parker has lived in Hampton Roads for several years. Paperwork goes on to say Parker doesn't have any prior convictions.
Parker is expected back in court Wednesday for a bond hearing. The judge also set another hearing date which is scheduled for May.
Due to the severity of the charges, Parker is in jail being held without bond.