HAMPTON, Va. — A somber mood blankets the city of Hampton following a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 29-year-old Xavier Sterling on Monday night, May 6, 2025. What began as a regular evening in downtown Hampton quickly turned tragic when an altercation at a local restaurant spiraled into violence, leaving a family devastated and a community in mourning.
At approximately 10:48 p.m., Hampton Police Division officers responded to a report of gunfire at Chance’s Restaurant and Lounge, a popular nightlife spot located in the 500 block of Settlers Landing Road. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Sterling outside the establishment, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds that were deemed life-threatening.
Emergency personnel from the Hampton Fire and Rescue Division acted swiftly, providing immediate medical assistance to Sterling before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Despite their best efforts to save his life, Sterling was tragically pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
According to preliminary investigations, the incident appears to have stemmed from a confrontation that began inside the restaurant. Tensions escalated, leading to a violent exchange that spilled outside, where an unidentified suspect produced a firearm and opened fire, fatally wounding Sterling. After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and remains at large. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police are continuing their search for the perpetrator.
The Hampton Police Division has since launched a full-scale homicide investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. They believe that witnesses or individuals who may have seen or recorded portions of the altercation could be vital in helping bring the shooter to justice.
The loss of Xavier Sterling has sent shockwaves through those who knew him. Described by friends as charismatic, warm-hearted, and full of life, Sterling’s untimely death has left loved ones grappling with grief and disbelief. Tributes have begun pouring in on social media, where friends and family remember him as someone who always brought light into a room and who had his entire life ahead of him.
“This should have never happened,” one friend wrote in a heartfelt post. “Xavier was loved. He didn’t deserve this. We want answers, and we want justice.”
Local leaders have also expressed concern about the growing violence in public spaces meant for leisure and community. They’ve emphasized the importance of safety in entertainment districts and the need for stronger preventive measures to curb escalating disputes before they result in tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Hampton community is left with more questions than answers. The Sterling family, now faced with unimaginable loss, is calling for anyone who knows anything—no matter how minor it may seem—to assist in the investigation.
Hampton Police are encouraging those with information about the shooting to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit tips online. All tips can remain anonymous, and there may be a reward for information leading to an arrest.
For now, the city mourns the life of a young man gone too soon, hoping justice will soon be served.
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