The Newport News Police Department reports that its Cold Case Team has arrested a suspect in connection to a 2017 homicide. NNPD says officers responded to the 7400 block of River Road for a shooting on August 17, 2017.

At the scene, officers found 27-year-old Eric Blackshear suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. NNPD says then 25-year-old Donell Anthony Howard was arrested for the murder on August 24, 2017.

However, the case was nolle processed. NNPD says new information was discovered. As a result, the Cold Case Team brought the case back. On October 15, 2024, the Grand Jury of Newport News issued indictments for Donell Howard.

Howard is facing charges of First Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. NNPD says Howard is finally back in custody.