HAMPTON, Va. — A man was shot and killed in Hampton on Wednesday night, authorities said.
At around 8:15 p.m., the Hampton Police Division (HPD) responded to a shooting on Coliseum Crossing near Peninsula Town Center.
Police arrived to find 29-year-old Travell "Trey" Giles of Newport News shot inside Wingstop; he died at the scene.
Investigators believe Giles and the suspect, who knew each other, were involved in an argument inside the business. During the argument. detectives said the suspect shot the victim.
The suspect got away before officers got there.
Friends described Giles as a kind, happy, and helpful person. They said he worked at the Wingstop where he was gunned down.
Early Thursday afternoon, Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman told 13News Now detectives are making "great headway" in the search for the suspect. Although, that person is still on the run.
“We’re in shock. We’re just in shock," said Dr. Rhonda Ross, chaplain for Hampton Roads community choir Lifter of Voices Ensemble or L.O.V.E. “He’s just a nice guy. And so, I was like ‘Why?’ I can’t even fathom the conversation that even would have led to this result.”
Giles was a founding member of L.O.V.E. “He was always there from the very beginning. He was one of our faithful tenors. But his voice was so deep. He was really a baritone. So, he really carried a nice melody," said Ross.
However, above all, Ross said Giles will be remembered for his kindness and commitment.
"And serious about singing and family," Ross added.
"He was loved. I know he left an impact on everybody. Regardless if they knew him longer than me, from Virginia to North Carolina," said Ashley Odom.
Odom stayed close with Giles after working with him at another restaurant years ago. She wants justice for her friend, taken by an act of violence.
"He didn't live that life. He didn't like being around guns," said Odom.
Chief Wideman said it will take a community partnership to shift the climate surrounding gun violence.
"We just have to do better. The conversations with our youth to teach them how to resolve conflict without violence. Have enough resources and support systems in place to help give them options to make good choices," said Wideman.
He also said part of the solution includes building up closer relations with the public so that more citizens will feel inclined to report problems before they become criminal in nature.
No suspect information in Giles' shooting has been released at this time. HPD is still investigating.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call 757–727–6111 or the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887. People can also use P3 Tips online to submit a tip.