Couple indicted in gang-related murder

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - A former couple in their 20s has been indicted in a 2008 gang-related murder of a Newport News teen and one of them could face the death penalty.

According to Peter Carr with the US Attorney's Office, 25-year-old Aronte D. Jarvis and 24-year-old Tayvonna Licorish, both of Newport News were indicted Oct. 10.

Jarvis was indicted on charges of murder in aid of racketeering activity, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, murder with a firearm and drug conspiracy. He could face 15 years or more in prison and his murder charge is potentially death eligible.

Licorish was indicted on a single count of accessory after the fact and could face a maximum of 15 years in prison.

According to the indictment, Jarvis was a member of a criminal organization called "Thug Relations" operating in various Newport News locations. The indictment alleges Jarvis and other members of the gang established power though violence, including the murder of Jonte Terry on Feb. 3, 2008.

Eighteen-year-old Terry was shot and killed in a parking lot at Oriana Drive, allegedly by Jarvis so he could maintain his position in "Thug Relations."