Unnamed victim Fatally Shot in Suffolk Tragedy; Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect Derrick Dontre Corbett Following Triple Shooting on Shoulders Hill Road
SUFFOLK, VA —
A quiet Virginia neighborhood was shattered in the early hours of Saturday morning, as a violent shooting on Shoulders Hill Road claimed the life of one woman and left two others injured. The deadly encounter, which occurred at approximately 1:35 a.m. on May 31, 2025, has launched a massive manhunt for 35-year-old Derrick Dontre Corbett, a Portsmouth man now wanted on multiple felony charges, including murder and attempted murder.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Suffolk community, prompting grief, fear, and calls for swift justice as police intensify their search for a suspect described as armed and dangerous.
A Deadly Morning in Suffolk: Gunfire in the Night
In the darkness of the early morning hours, around 1:35 a.m., residents near the 5600 block of Shoulders Hill Road were jolted awake by the sound of multiple gunshots ringing out through the night.
Multiple 911 calls flooded Suffolk Police dispatchers, reporting what sounded like a barrage of gunfire. Officers responded immediately to the scene.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found three gunshot victims, all adults. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds before emergency responders could intervene. Her name has not yet been publicly released pending notification of her family.
Two other individuals — whose identities are also being withheld — were found suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. Both were stabilized on-site and transported by emergency medical teams to nearby hospitals for continued treatment and observation.
Suffolk Police cordoned off the area, securing the scene and collecting physical evidence while detectives began their initial interviews with witnesses and nearby residents.
What We Know About the Suspect: Derrick Dontre Corbett
Through swift and coordinated investigative efforts, Suffolk Police identified Derrick Dontre Corbett, 35, of Portsmouth, Virginia, as the prime suspect in the shooting. Authorities believe Corbett fled the scene immediately following the violence and has since eluded capture.
A wanted bulletin issued by the Suffolk Police Department describes Corbett as:
- Black male
- 5’10”, approximately 190 pounds
- Brown eyes, black hair
- Believed to be armed and extremely dangerous
Police emphasize that no member of the public should attempt to engage or confront Corbett. Anyone who sees him or believes they know his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact local law enforcement.
Charges Filed Against Corbett
The charges brought against Derrick Dontre Corbett are grave and reflect the level of violence and chaos inflicted during the shooting. As of Saturday morning, Corbett faces:
- One count of First-Degree Murder
- Two counts of Attempted Murder
- One count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Six counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Three counts of Shoot/Cut/Stab in the Commission of a Felony
The breadth of these charges suggests a deliberate and sustained attack, not a random or accidental shooting, although investigators have not yet publicly released a motive or confirmed whether the suspect and victims knew each other prior to the incident.
Scene Investigation and Forensic Work
By dawn, crime scene technicians had spent hours combing the area for evidence. Bullet casings, witness statements, and surveillance camera footage from nearby homes and businesses are believed to be part of the active investigation.
Officers placed numerous evidence markers along the roadway and in a nearby driveway where the confrontation is believed to have occurred. Shell casings, blood trails, and physical debris painted a picture of a sudden eruption of violence.
Neighbors described being awakened by what sounded like “a dozen gunshots in quick bursts” followed by shouting, car doors slamming, and then silence.
“It was terrifying,” said one resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “You don’t expect something like this in the middle of the night — not here. It was chaos.”
Victim Support and Grief in the Community
The woman who lost her life in this tragedy was someone’s daughter, someone’s family, and perhaps someone’s mother or sister. As police continue to notify and support her loved ones, the community is mourning a life stolen too soon.
“She didn’t deserve to die like that,” said a family friend outside police lines. “Whoever did this — they have no idea what they took away from us. She was full of life, always smiling, and didn’t have a bad bone in her body.”
Support services are being offered to the families of all three victims. The City of Suffolk’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program, along with mental health crisis counselors, are now providing trauma counseling, legal support, and community resources to those directly affected by the incident.
Suffolk Police and Officials Speak Out
During a press conference Saturday morning, Suffolk Police Chief Alfred Chandler addressed the media and offered condolences to the victim’s family while pledging full commitment to bringing Corbett to justice.
“This was a violent and senseless act,” said Chief Chandler. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to locate Mr. Corbett and ensure the safety of our community. We urge him to turn himself in peacefully. And we ask anyone with information to come forward — no detail is too small.”
Mayor Michael Duman also released a statement, calling the act “an unforgivable tragedy” and reiterating the city’s commitment to fighting gun violence.
“To the family grieving today: Suffolk grieves with you. We will not rest until the suspect is apprehended and justice is served.”
How You Can Help
Anyone who may have been in the area of Shoulders Hill Road between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, or who has any relevant information — no matter how minor it may seem — is urged to contact Suffolk Police.
Suffolk Police Department: 757-514-7915
Suffolk Crime Line (Anonymous Tips): 1-888-LOCK-U-UP
Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if the tip leads to an arrest.
Crime Background and Context
While Suffolk is not typically known for high rates of violent crime, this incident underscores the persistent threat of gun violence, even in quieter neighborhoods. Experts say that rising tensions, unresolved personal disputes, and easy access to firearms continue to fuel unpredictable eruptions of violence in communities across Virginia and the nation.
“This wasn’t a robbery gone wrong or a mistake — this was an execution-style shooting that unfolded in a residential area,” said criminologist Dr. Laura McKnight from Old Dominion University. “It’s a tragedy with very real victims, and it’s a warning sign of the growing boldness of armed offenders.”
Derrick Corbett: Prior Criminal History
Court records indicate that Derrick Dontre Corbett has a lengthy criminal record, including prior convictions for drug trafficking, firearm possession, and assault. He was previously incarcerated and, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
It is currently unknown how he obtained the weapon used in the May 31 shooting, but federal investigators are expected to trace the firearm’s origin as part of the larger case.
The Road Ahead
As investigators work around the clock and communities remain on edge, one thing is clear: the families impacted by this violence will never be the same. A life was taken — suddenly, violently — and those who remain must now grapple with grief, anger, and unanswered questions.
For now, Suffolk mourns — and waits.
And for Derrick Dontre Corbett, justice is coming.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be published as more information becomes available.
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