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Deshayla Harris and Donovon Lynch were the two young victims of fatal shootings that occured the night of March 26 last year at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Authorities and people in the community are still at odds over what exactly happened.
The deaths of Harris and Lynch put pressure on the city to strengthen its civilian oversight of the police.
The ViBe District raised funds from private donors to commission portraits of Harris and Lynch.
Norfolk artist LaJae Essence, professionally known as Poetry Jackson, presents the portrait of Deshayla Harris she created to Harris' mother, Elisheba Harris. "I hope that when you look at this, it brings you a lot of joy and reminds you of the beauty of her life," Essence said. "She was beautiful." City Council Member Michael Berlucchi and the ViBe District's Laura Habr stand on either side of Essence.
Elisheba Harris, mother of Deshayla Harris, accepts the portrait of her daughter, who died last spring when she was struck by a stray bullet. Harris asked the city to create a memorial to her daughter. The city council voted against the proposal. Virginia Beach police continue to investigate Deshayla Harris’ death. They have not charged anyone.
Wayne Lynch, father of Donovon Lynch, holds a portrait of his son. Norfolk artist Clayton Singleton painted it. A Virginia Beach police officer shot and killed Lynch. The officer who shot Lynch didn't have his body camera on during the incident and the family disputes several of the facts police have publicly shared. Since then, the Lynch family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officer who shot him. Lynch's cousin, musician Pharrell Williams, pulled out his Something in the Water festival in the aftermath of the incidents.
