MIDDLESEX COUNTY, Va. -- Six people, including four juveniles, were charged with first-degree murder by mob after a fight ended in murder during a party on Saturday, March 23, in Locust Hill, according to witnesses. Two adults and four juveniles were charged with first-degree murder in the death of an 18-year-old.
Elijah Baker, 18, was shot and killed in a home along the 5000 block of Gen. Puller Highway.
Around midnight on Saturday, the Middlesex Sheriff's office received a 911 call in reference to a party with minors and the smell of marijuana. The caller, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that there were guys there from Lancaster County who were trying to start a fight.
Moments later, another 911 call was received from the same address stating that someone had been shot.
Witnesses say that during the party, a group of uninvited individuals pulled out a handgun and began passing it around their group.
A verbal fight then began between the group members and the victim.
Someone pushed Baker into a room where he attempted to lock the door and escape through a window.
As Baker was climbing out of the window, he was punched by one of the individuals who had broken through the door.
Once Baker got out of the back window he ran towards his truck that was parked in the back yard of the residence, according to witness statements.
When Baker reached his truck, he was chased and shot.
Eyewitnesses said at least one additional person was shooting, as well as another group member pointing a gun.
Detectives and members of the Middlesex Sheriffs office worked around the clock for the next 24 hours and identified six individuals of the group.
- Kemonte Deshaune Smith, 18, White Stone, first-degree murder.
- Tariq Joel Beane, 16, Merry Point, first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and brandish or point a firearm.
- Three other unnamed juveniles and one adult all charged with first-degree murder by mob
This is a developing story. Witnesses can send news tips here.
