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Teenager killed at gathering of friends on Christmas Eve

Posted at 9:40 PM, Dec 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-25 15:43:50-05

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. -- A man was charged with 2nd Degree Murder in the Christmas Eve shooting death of a 16-year-old Colonial Heights boy.

Some of the shooting victim's relatives confirmed the teenager's name to CBS 6 News, however that name will not be published until more family members were notified about his death.

Jeffrey Kyle Stephenson, 23, of Prince George, was taken into custody Sunday night.

He has since been arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, according to Colonial Heights Police.

The teenager was shot and killed around 6 p.m. Sunday at his Riverview Road home during that police described as a "gathering of friends."

Colonial Heights Police Capt. William Anspach said during the gathering, an adult male (Stephenson) displayed a handgun and shot the teenager.

While circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation, a 2nd degree murder charge could indicate police considered the shooting intentional, but not premeditated, or a death caused by dangerous conduct.

After attempting to render first aid on the teenager, someone at the gathering drove him to TriCities Emergency Center where he was later pronounced dead, Anspach said.

"Being Christmas Eve and the tragic nature of this incident, there are no words to describe what the family is going through," Anspach said.

Neighbors recalled the slain teenager as a happy kid.

"He looked like he was enjoying life," one neighbor said. "I broke down last night as soon as I heard... I just did not want to believe it."

Stephenson is currently being held without bond at Riverside Regional Jail.

He is due in Colonial Heights General District Court on December 27.

Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call Colonial Heights Police at 804-520-9300.

This is a developing story. Witnesses can send news tips and photos here.

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