NORFOLK, Va. — A convenience store operator is dead and another person was hospitalized after a shooting in Norfolk Wednesday evening, Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot has confirmed.
Now, communities in Norfolk are paying tribute to a man hailed as a “neighborhood hero.” Generations of people knew 84-year-old James Carter as a kind and giving person. He was the person shot and killed while working at his family’s convenience store.
“He was a good family man, he would help anybody that he could,” said Georgia Carter, when asked about her father.
According to the police department, the shooting happened around 8:06 p.m. on Lindenwood Avenue. Chief Talbot said a fight between several men started outside Triple C Convenience, which Carter helped run.
Police said one of the men pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Carter was hit and was rushed to the hospital after police arrived, where he later died. A short time later, investigators said another man arrived at the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Detectives determined the two incidents are related.
Talbot said they do not know the number of suspects involved.
Surrounding the store are a growing number of balloons, flowers, candles and cards. Friends and family gathered there Thursday in memory of Carter.
13News Now spoke with one of his sons, Dwayne Carter.
“Unspeakable. He can’t be replaced,” Dwayne said. “Norfolk will never be the same.”
Carter used to own other businesses in the area.
Yolanda Stoner knew him for 59 years and remembered fond memories of shopping at Carter’s old Merrimac Market in what was formerly called Liberty Park. She called him a “gentle giant” and the “OG,” or “original gentleman.”
“He was a pillar of the community,” said Miguel Iriarte, who also knew Carter for decades. “Words cannot express how Norfolk is mourning today for him.”
Iriarte said Carter had a heart of gold. He often fed the hungry and let people in need pay later for items like food, diapers and milk.
The Carter children said someone opened fire as their father was walking back inside after trying to clear the front of the store.
“Just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Dwayne.
Now, the family is on a search for justice. But they need help from witnesses.
“Point out the people that did it. That’s what you do. Make whoever’s responsible - make sure that they pay. If you care like you say you do,” Dwayne said.
The person or people responsible for the shooting are still on the run.
If you have any information that can help police, you're urged to call the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887 or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com.
