Man charged in 11-year-old's murder
As a community begins hearing the shocking news that an 11-year-old boy has been killed by gunfire, Charlottesville Police report that they have arrested a local man for the crime. Waverly "Eddie" Whitlock, 27, stands charged with capital murder in this morning's shooting death in the kitchen of a house in the 300 block of 6 1/2 Street. Aziz Damar Booth, 11, a sixth grader at Walker Upper Elementary, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say Whitlock lives in the same block where the incident happened; Rueben Lewis III, 23, in an adjacent house, was found wounded outside the house and directed police to the fatally wounded child in the kitchen. Whitlock allegedly turned himself into police headquarters and is being held without bond. Police believe robbery was the motive, according to a release, and will hold a press conference at noon.
UPDATE: Charlottesville School Superintendent Rosa Atkins and Police Chief Tim Longo express their sadness at Aziz's death at a noon press conference. The boy had just walked across the stage of Walker last Friday in a "moving on" ceremony. "He had a big smile and a passion for basketball," said Atkins. The school system is setting up counseling and support for students, whose last day is tomorrow, she added.
Shooting victim Lewis, whose wounds are not life threatening, was the boyfriend of Aziz's mother, and was acquainted with Whitlock, according to Longo. And while there was enough probable cause to charge Whitlock with robbery, "I won't say that was the motive," the Chief said.
Longo added that Whitlock was familiar with the 300-block of 6 1/2 Street, but he couldn't say if the suspect lived there.
18 comments
Two words....... DEATH PENALTY!
Sick, the reality is "in Charlottesville" that most probably won't happen. Seems to me, there are too many cold blooded murders occuring these days. These guys know they will not fry!
Yes there are some sicko's out there that are among us. But for a town this size we are fortunate that there aren't more crimes. The anti death penalty tree huggers no longer have their way though, Virginia started executing again, so get the gurneys and straps ready Greenville!
Look at the local situation. The word is out that criminals can do anything in Charlottesville and escape the death penalty. They'll get him a good lawyer and there will be a plea bargain. My guess, he'll get Life-NO Parole. The locals in the court don't seem to agree with the death penalty piece.
This is just the worst, an innocent child.
Maybe I'm incorrect, but I can't see them going for death in this liberal town.
In a case of a 11-year-old child being murdered, if the commonwealth attorney doesn't seek the death penalty, maybe we need a new commonwealth attorney?
I bet if this was a county case Denise Lunsford would seek the death penalty.
Maybe as the victim was a child, they will look at it differently. It would be no surprise to me, if they avoid the death penalty route.
quote: "Charlottesville School Superintendent Rosa Atkins and Police Chief Tim Longo express their sadness at Aziz's death at a noon press conference. The boy had just walked across the stage of Walker last Friday in a ¢Ã¢â??¬Ã?â??moving on¢Ã¢â??¬ ceremony. 'He had a big smile and a passion for basketball,' said Atkins."
I don't care who you, or how you feel about anything currently going on in the community... but this will bring a tear to the eye of any parent. It's just so sad.
Yea, I'm sure the "word is out" that charlottesville is the place to commit a murder and escape the death penalty. Because life in prison is soooo much sweeter.
Idiots.
I am all for the death penalty, but that would be an easy way to be punished. Maybe sitting in a small box for about 50 years is really a better punishment. If you do the crime, do the time.
Richard, I agree, prison is no cake walk. But, at least you're alive. You can watch TV, read books, play with the boys, etc. They feed you too. I would feel differently about the prison option if they still had hard labor. Although it is unpleasant, it is still too easy.
I hear if given a choice, "most murderers" would RATHER go to prison than die. I'm not sure child killers should be given the option for life.
So quick to jump the gun, er, needle. Yes, those on row have to make that choice -- to get stuck or to fry themselves. What would you choose, and do you know what each entails?
Have any of you known anyone on death row? Personally met them? Learned how they cope with living with that one decision the rest of their days? Counting down until it's all over, not just hearsay?
Now, I'm not condoning the action. You commit a crime, you are put away. That's the way justice works. Life in prison is no picnic, either. And I'm not just saying that because I 'hear' that either. A friend of mine tells me that frequently.
He's on row.
Reality, what you're describing is punishment. Seems to me, when you are forced to sit and think about being jabbed or fryed soon, it is worse than facing life in prison.
The more I think about it, I don't think the commonwealth attorney will go for death here. They won't want to set an example for more violence/killing, because too many local kids know about this case. And As I said before, Charlottesville takes the no kill road. I do fear, murderous thugs "know" they will not face a death penalty too.
Other prisoners have a special way of welcoming child killers.
BTW is there any info if the shots were aimed at the child, or was he caught in crossfire?
David, according to today's Progress, he was shot intentionally. It wasn't a stray bullet.
if it was up to me i would kill him like he kill the little boy
Believe me, they will not call for a death penalty in CHARLOTTESVILLE-anytime soon.
WATCH, they will make this a political issue. I hear, there is already "talking". The vibes are hopping.
This boy could have been controlled earlier-IF he had been LOCKED UP-disciplined/Didn't happen in the community..and won't very often happen in Cville, with the current social set-up.
Look for a move to SAVE HIS LIFE, by the city. MY OPINION..
So Much has been botched before ths happened. Inexcusable..
I could be incorrect, we'll see.
jolted: What in the world are you talking about?
We'll see what the city does here. I'll be shocked if the movers have the guts or true political resolve, to push for DEATH.