CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The friends of a Chesterfield man shot at a party outside a Chesterfield home Sunday morning said Jesse D. Weston died trying to break up a fight. Weston, 20, was shot and killed during an altercation along the 8100 block of Hopkins Court, Chesterfield police said.
Police responded to the area at about 3:58 a.m. for a shooting call. When units arrived they found Weston suffering a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Mathew A. McCraw, 21, of the 3800 block of Lee Boulevard in Dinwiddie, was later arrested at his home. He was charged with Murder and the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony.
McCraw was ordered to remain in jail without bond during a Monday morning hearing in Chesterfield County General District Court. An attorney status hearing was set for November 12 and a preliminary hearing for December 2.
Mathew McCraw
"It could have been anybody that got hit with that bullet," Jimmy Peters said. Peters said he was still coming to grips with the loss of his best friend.
Peters said the shooting happened after people who were not welcomed, arrived at the house party.
"They were asked to leave. An altercation broke out where people started fighting," he said.
Peters said as he and Weston tried to break up the fight, Mathew McCraw pulled out a gun.
"The next thing I know, I see him pull a gun out and he shoots towards the crowd of people. And then, I see him put a shot in the air," Peters said.
Jesse D. Weston
Peters said one of those bullets struck Jesse in the forehead.
"I ran over to him. I looked him in the face -- and he was gone," Peters explained.
Weston's friends described him as a fun-loving guy who was known to be the life of the party.
"He always made something fun," said Doran Ramsey. "He made working fun and he made doing anything fun."
Taylor Benton agreed and said Weston will be missed.
"He was the only person that could really make you smile no matter what. Always cheered you up when you were down," Benton said.
And while Mathew McCraw sits behind bars charged with murder, Weston's friends said they would be willing to help their fallen friend's family.
"I just hope that they keep their head up through this hard time. And if they need help with anything, don't be afraid to come ask any of us," Peters said.
Police said the investigation was ongoing and asked anyone with information to call 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
