PETERSBURG, Va. -- A man was shot near the Knights Inn on East Wythe Street in Petersburg just after noon Wednesday, police and witnesses outside the motel told initially told CBS 6 reporter Melissa Hipolit.
The witnesses said they heard gunshots and saw the man lying in a ditch.
The male victim was in his late 30s, and he was taken to VCU Medical Center via LifeEvac with at least one critical gunshot [wound], according to Petersburg Police spokeswoman Esther Hyatt.
Melvin Ellis III (Source: Petersburg police)
He later died from his wounds.
Investigative leads from witnesses and other evidence helped police to identify 21-year-old suspect Melvin Ellis III of Dinwiddie and 19-year-old Daquaine Hinton of Petersburg.
Petersburg Police coordinated with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, who arrested Ellis in Chesterfield early Thursday without incident. Ellis III has been charged with murder and several firearm infractions. He is being held without bond at the Petersburg City Jail.
Police said Tuesday that Hinton has been charged with first degree murder as a principle in the 2nd degree for his involvement in the slaying. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 21.
Daquaine Hinton (SOURCE: Petersburg police)
Police previously said several other arrests are pending, for others who had various roles in the incident. The preliminary motive seems to be an argument, police said.
Petersburg Police investigate shooting near the Knights Inn. (PHOTO: Melissa Hipolit)
Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact Petersburg-Dinwiddie Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212.
