VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach Police and School administration met at Renaissance Academy after a string of recent teen violence left the city on edge.
During a recent city council meeting, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said more than half of the city's homicides this year have some connection to Renaissance Academy.
Virginia Beach Superintendent, Dr. Donald Robertson, said while he echoes the Chief's statements, he believes they need more context.
"More often than not, these connections are because the students are victims themselves," said Robertson. "I personally spoke to Chief Neudigate and I know it was not his intention to single out any one school."
In a sit-down interview with 13News Now, Chief Neudigate said investigators have arrested six teenagers for fatal shootings that have occurred this year. He called it a 30% increase from where the city stood in 2023.
"Unfortunately there is a theme, many of these have a connection to Renaissance. Victims, suspects... I know that we were going to schedule a meeting," said Neudigate.
The meeting happened on Tuesday, where Neudigate and several officers met with students, teachers, and staff to build necessary bridges.
Robertson said the meeting is the first of its kind, and Neudigate and school leaders are on the same page to bring this type of dialogue to schools all across Virginia Beach.
"We had a kid who wasn't proud to wear his Renaissance shirt anymore and you know that was not the intention, and I'm thankful the chief reached out and said we need to go over there and visit," said Robertson.
As of right now, there are several open investigations into the deadly violence that has occurred in the last few weeks. This includes the deadly shooting outside of Mount Trashmore that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Jeyani Upshur.
So far no one has been arrested for Upshur's death, but Robertson said they continue to work with police and had a direct message for all Virginia Beach Public School students.
"I want you to think before you act," said Robertson. "Your life matters and I need you to think before you take any actions, take a moment, take a deep breath, and think, 'If I do X... what could happen to me?'"
Robertson said there is also a plan to bring a mentorship program directly to Renaissance Academy to make sure everyone is on the right path toward success.
