Social gathering ends in homicide

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Police have arrested a man in connection to the city's fourth homicide of the year.

Karen Parker-Chesson with the Norfolk Police Department said officers have arrested Bryan Joseph Sweatt, 38, of Chesapeake, in connection to the death of Kendrick Downing, 23, of Norfolk. Sweatt has been charged with murder and using or displaying a firearm in the commission of a felony.

According to Chris Amos with the Norfolk Police Department, officers responded to a gunshot victim call in the 5300 block of Marlfield Drive at approximately 11 p.m. Sunday. Downing was taken to a local hospital with gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead.

Amos said the death was initially classified as undetermined because a weapon was found next to the man's body, leading officers to think the wounds may be self-inflicted.

As the investigation continued, officers uncovered more information leading them to believe the death was a homicide, according to Amos.

Parker-Chesson said it was later learned the pair were attending the same social gathering when they got into an altercation. The altercation escalated outside the home and Downing was shot. They did not know each other.