NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk police say a man is in custody, facing charges for the murder of a prominent anti-gun violence advocate's son back in June.
On Friday, Norfolk police said they had arrested 28-year-old Jalen Garces in connection to Ali Muhammad's murder.
"Tears of sadness at losing our son. At the same time tears of joy. Tears of joy kind of mixed in together, but I'm so glad that this is part one. One step has been taken that we've still got a little distance to go to make sure that this gentleman be sentenced to the highest penalty," Bilal Muhammad told 13News Now over the phone Friday night.
Police said they were called to the 9600 block of 1st Bay Street on the night of June 29. They arrived to find 33-year-old Ali Muhammad suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ali's father, Bilal, previously told 13News Now that he was on the phone with his son at the time of the shooting.
He said Ali was getting into his car to go to work at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital when someone pulled up, blocked him in, and then approached him.
Over the phone, Bilal said he heard someone confront Ali and then he heard his son shout at the person to "put down the gun." Then he heard gunshots.
Bilal said he immediately called the police and then his family.
He is a well-known community organizer and one of the biggest advocates against gun violence in Norfolk. He told 13News Now he's spent years fighting the very thing that took his youngest son's life.
Garces is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is currently being held without bond at Norfolk City Jail.
"A heavy stone has been... relief off our chest, but there is still some pain there," Bilal said. "It's a very senseless murder and our son was on his way to work... on his way to work."
Bilal said no one in his family knows who Garces is.
"I have no idea. No idea. So, this is a person that randomly or premeditatively killed my son."
Bilal said Mayor Kenny Alexander called him early Friday morning.
"He said, 'We got him. We got the person who killed your son.'"
Ali leaves behind three daughters.
"Our son loved his children so much. So much," said Bilal. "He was a father. A true father."
Police have not given a motive for the shooting at this time. The case remains under investigation and if you know anything that may help detectives, you're urged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887 or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com.