Sincere Devon Fitz Obituary, Death – Authorities in Spotsylvania County have released more details regarding the mass shooting that occurred on April 8, which left three individuals dead and several others injured. The latest update includes the identification of the third victim and new developments regarding the juvenile suspects involved in the incident.
The third victim, 19-year-old Sincere Devon Fitz, was confirmed by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office as one of the individuals killed during what investigators are calling an “illegal gun sale/robbery” that escalated into a deadly shooting. Fitz was from Spotsylvania County, as were the other two victims, 18-year-olds Chase Feaster and Alonzo Goffney, who had been previously identified by authorities.
The shooting took place around 6 p.m. in the Olde Greenwich Circle area of Spotsylvania, which is a residential neighborhood. The tragic event unfolded quickly, leaving three people dead and three others critically injured. Police say the shooting was the result of a botched illegal gun transaction, which turned violent. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the robbery or the specific roles the victims played in the incident.
Regarding the suspects, four teenage individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting. Among the suspects is a 16-year-old who was injured during the incident. This teen has since been discharged from the hospital and transferred to the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center, where they are facing charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawful assembly. The identities of the other three suspects have not been fully disclosed, with one being an 18-year-old named Jeremiah Upson, who is the only one of the four to have been publicly named so far. The remaining suspects are 16-year-olds from both Spotsylvania and Caroline counties. All of the arrested individuals are being held without bond.
The shooting took place rapidly and violently, shocking the local community. In response to the initial chaos, law enforcement issued a temporary shelter-in-place order as they launched an intensive search to apprehend the suspects. By the end of the night, all suspects had been taken into custody.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that during the shooting, a neighbor of the victims, who witnessed the gunfire, took action to protect himself and others. The neighbor saw one of the suspects armed and approaching a nearby parking lot after hearing gunshots. He instructed a family member to call 911, retrieved his own firearm, and shot one of the suspects. The neighbor then retreated to his home and waited for law enforcement to arrive. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no charges would be filed against the neighbor, as his actions were deemed self-defense.
The impact of the shooting has been felt deeply within the community. The Spotsylvania County Public School system, in an effort to support those affected by the tragedy, decided to delay school the following day to provide counseling services for students and staff.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the investigation into the shooting continues. Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at 540-507-7492.
While the investigation continues to unfold, the community is left grieving the loss of three young lives and shaken by the violence that unfolded in what is normally a quiet residential neighborhood. The incident highlights the tragic consequences of illegal gun sales and the increasing violence tied to such activities.