HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- A man has died following a fatal vehicle crash in Hampton on Sunday night, according to police.

Around 9:30 p.m., Hampton Public Safety Communications received a call in reference to a vehicle crash involving a sedan and a motorcycle at the intersection of West Mercury Boulevard and Pennwood Drive.

Upon arrival, officers and members of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue declared the motorcyclist dead.

A passenger on the motorcycle and one in the sedan were taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation determined that the operator of the sedan was traveling eastbound on West Mercury Boulevard and attempted to make a U-turn at Pennwood Drive to continue westbound. The motorcyclist was traveling westbound and collided with the sedan at the intersection.

The Hampton Police Division Accident Reconstruction Team were on the scene investigating the accident.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Family, friends and teachers from Larkspur Middle School came together Sunday to remember the life of Juan Acevedo, the 12-year-old who went missing and whose body was recovered three days later in a pond; officials confirmed his death to be a drowning. 

More than 50 people came to sing one more song to Juan. 

“You could tell he just had a really big heart. So I'm going to miss him,” said Juan’s English teacher, Shae Pointer. 

People came to the retention pond Juan was found in to send candlelit lanterns into the water.

“It's a different type of emotion to know that you've lost a student and that this was the place that we lost them. It's just very hard to even be here to be honest because to know that he was here for three days was very difficult,” said Dr. Tamika Singletary-Johnson, the principal of Larkspur Middle School.

Flowers and notes were under a tree near the pond in tribute to Juan.

“It was just an overall blessing for us to be able to come together during this time, just to support each other, uplift the family. And one in a beautiful person. Beautiful spirit and a bright smile from day one. So to just be here today is just a blessing,” said Pointer. 

Teachers and the principal of Larkspur Middle School admitted being there was devastating. 

“I think that's what a school family is about. Not only the good times but the hard times and how we come together. So Larkspur is a strong community, a strong school family, and we wanted to make sure that we supported one of his family during this time,” Dr. Singletary-Johnson. 

Pointer added Juan was one of a kind. 

“From day one, respectful, kind, bright smile and eager to learn. He made friends, I would say, easily. And he just came into the classroom. He just had a—you could tell he just had a really big heart,” said Pointer. 

His principal says they have counselors available for students. 

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- A Hampton man was arrested after striking state police vehicles and injuring a trooper during a pursuit on I-264 in Virginia Beach Saturday night.

At approximately 11:20 p.m., state police saw a man, identified as Jose'L Lavar Lewis, 26, of speeding 82 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone on the interstate at Independence Boulevard.

Lewis allegedly refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. Troopers deployed tire deflation devices on Interstate 264, but Lewis continued to flee.

As troopers approached the City Hall area of Norfolk, they attempted a vehicle containment to slow the vehicle to a stop. Lewis began to ram the police vehicles to escape. Lewis then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was later arrested.

State police said Lewis and three other passengers were in the car. Rear seat passenger, 45-year-old Douglas Presley, Jr., of Hampton, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and taken to Virginia Beach City Jail.

Lewis and one of the troopers were both taken to Norfolk General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Lewis was subsequently taken to the Virginia Beach city jail where he was charged with reckless driving by speed, felony elude, hit and run, and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Lewis and Presley did not receive any bond.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - As flu rates continue to rise across the country, Virginia and North Carolina find themselves in the "very high" category for flu rates.

COVID-19, flu rates rising in Virginia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report, Virginia continues to be trending upward. However, it remains in the lower tier of the very high category. North Carolina is reported to have higher flu rates than Virginia, with rates also continuing to rise.

Courtesy: CDC

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) found that, for the week of Jan. 25, 2025, the flu accounted for 7% of all emergency department visits. Overall respiratory illness continues to rise throughout the Commonwealth, with the central and eastern region feeling the brunt of the increase.

Courtesy: VDH

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) found that, for the week of Jan. 25, 2025, over 4,000 influenza positive tests were reported throughout hospitals in the state. The highest region of flu increase was region 3 , which includes Cumberland, Wayne, Lee and Moore.

According to the CDC, with February historically as the highest peak for flu activity, the rates are expected to continue to rise.

The CDC encourages people throughout the country to do their part in preventing the spread of the flu. Some tips for prevention can be found below:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick when possible
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice good hygiene habits
• Get vaccinated each year for the season flu

For more information on how to reduce the spread of the flu, click here.

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) -- Four students were transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries after a school bus crash on Monday in Southampton County, deputies said.

Around 6:45 a.m., the sheriff's office responded to a school bus crash in the 25000 block of Delaware Road. The driver was transporting students during the crash, and swerved to avoid an object in the road. The motion caused the rear end of the bus to crash into a light pole.

Four students were transported to the hospital by EMS personnel with non life-threatening injuries. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash. No charges have been filed.

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- Two minors were arrested and charged after Elizabeth City Police responded to an incident on Jan. 31, police said.

Courtesy: Elizabeth City Police

Around 12:25 p.m., police responded to the area near the 625 Building of Morgan Pointe Apartment for the report of two males sitting in a vehicle, one wearing a ski mask and brandishing a firearm.

Officers found two minors matching the description. They seized a Omni Hybrid 300 Blackout rifle, a 9 mm handgun, a high capacity magazine and counterfeit $20 bills.

The boys were charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and resist, delay or obstruct a law enforcement officer. One of the juveniles received an additional charge of assault on a law enforcement officer and felony possession of counterfeit US currency.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- In honor of Black History Month, Soulfull Vegan Events held the grand opening of the "Black on Black Market" Saturday.

The community-centered event provides a platform for Black-owned businesses to showcase and sell their products, crafts and services.

“We believe in nurturing talent, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating a legacy of innovation and resilience," said Tree Kelty, CEO & Founder of Soulfull Vegan Events. "This is an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the wealth of creativity and business excellence in our region.”

The grand opening featured a vibrant array of vendors offering handmade crafts, original art, fashion, wellness products, delicious food and more.

The "Black on Black Market" will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays at 1200 East Little Creek Blvd.

To become a vendor, visit their website.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — In the wake of the crash between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport, passengers boarding flights said they still had confidence in flying.

In an immediate measure, the FAA decided to change helicopter access along the Potomac River amid the investigation into Wednesday evening's midair collision, in which 67 people, including the 60 passengers and four crewmembers on the American Airlines plane and the three crewmembers on the Black Hawk helicopter.

American Airlines flights, which had been mostly canceled Thursday, were running on-time Friday.

“I don't have any fears of flying because it is the safe aspect of transportation still," said Mark Clark, who was getting ready to hop on a shuttle from a nearby hotel to catch a flight to St. Louis.

He also thinks after a crash, it’s safer.

“I think it is somewhat true because everyone thinks, 'Hey, we got to make sure we do everything by the book now,'" Clark said. "You cross t’s dot I's, so I think that plays in to it.” 

At Reagan National, Chris, who did not give his last name, put air travel in perspective. 

“I think everybody's probably a little bit nervous about that right now," he said. "I mean, regardless of circumstance, aircrafts are down. So that's always scary. If you're a frequent traveler. I think in the real world, it's rare.” 

Anna Drew is going to San Diego.

“It does cross your mind you think about what just happened," Drew said. "It makes you a little leery." 

The Taylor's father and son are heading to Boston.

“I feel totally fine with flying," he said. "I feel it is a tragedy and our heart and prayers go out to the families. It was an accident, and not intentionally done.” 

Most people are choosing to fly because they genuinely believe it’s safe.

“It is discouraging and we are saddened, but that is not going to discourage me from flying," said Scott Simpson.   

He also said it’s time to be kinder and gentler to those involved with getting us on planes to take us where we need to go. 

“In general we have got to treat people with compassion," Simpson said. "I’m trying to travel to do my job. I need these people to do their job well, and I want them to have every opportunity to do their job well.” 

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Three years after 3-year-old Codi Bigsby was reported missing, activists continue to honor his memory and advocate for justice.

Codi’s father, Cory Bigsby, was convicted last June of second-degree murder and hiding Codi's dead body and is serving a 45-year prison sentence for his son’s death, and Cory Bigsby still faces additional child abuse charges, with a trial set to begin Tuesday.

Prosecutors revealed during the trial that Bigsby waited nearly seven months before reporting Codi missing in January 2022. The child’s body has never been found.

Nancy Strickland, an organizer with the group We Are Codi’s Voice, emphasized the community's commitment to remembering Codi.

"Codi is on my mind all the time—Christmas, his anniversary, his birthday," she said.

Codi’s case has also led to legislative changes. The CODI Alert, named in his honor, was passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2024. This alert is issued for missing children who do not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert.

"We were able to get the CODI Alert passed unanimously through the House and Senate," activist Japharii Jones said. "Since it has been activated last September, to our knowledge, it has helped find seven kids."

Activists are determined to continue their fight, pressing for answers about Codi’s disappearance.

"We got justice for Codi," Strickland said. "Now, it’s time for his father to tell us where he is."

For full coverage and timeline of Bigsby's case, click here.

Content warning: Some details may be disturbing to read. Contains discussion of torture.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- An Alabama woman pleaded guilty in Norfolk, on Jan. 30, for her role in directing and funding videos of the torture, crushing and sadistic sexual mutilation of juvenile and adult monkeys, according to a release.

49-year-old Stacey Storey was just one of the individuals responsible for the creation and distribution of these torture videos. Other co-conspirators included 51-year-old Michael Macartney, of Chesapeake, 61-year-old Jeffrey Radtke, of Bloomington, Minnesota, and 30-year-old Drexel Venero of Rockville, Maryland.

On or around June 21, 2022, Storey distributed a video to an online chat groups depicting the torture of a juvenile monkey using a jar of ants and sodomy with an object, killing the monkey, according to a release.

Storey stated, “Enjoy this one ladies and gents." She also stated, “If you guys would like to send in a small donation for this guy a little bonus for a job well done that we've always wanted to see would be absolutely amazing.”

She played a part in directing how the animals should be tortured. Other methods of torture included crushing, a process in which an animal is crushed to death, as well as sexually mutilating the monkeys.

Storey and her co-conspirators collectively paid money to foreign co-conspirators outside of the United States, specifically having communication with someone in Indonesia. The foreign co-conspirators recorded and sent the videos to Storey and her co-conspirators in the United States, who sent them to the broader online chat group members.

Between at least Aug. 22, 2021, and July 7, 2022, Storey received hundreds of payments to pay for the creation of new animal crush videos by videographers outside the United States. Storey and others had direct communications with a co-conspirator in Indonesia who hired the videographers. 

In June 2023, law enforcement seized Storey’s electronic devices. Storey’s electronic media and accounts contained over 675 videos and 11,000 images depicting animal crushing.

Storey is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10 and faces up to five years in prison.

Regarding her co-conspirators, Macartney pled guilty on April 30, 2024. Macartney was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2024, to three years and six months in prison. Radtke pled guilty on Sept. 24, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, facing up to five years in prison. Venero pled guilty on Dec. 12, 2024. Venero is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Chesapeake Animal Services is asking for the public's assistance regarding seven stray puppies found Friday. Animal Control officers were sent to the area around Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in response to reports of the puppies.

The puppies are reportedly malnourished and in poor health, and it is believed they may have been abandoned in a grey tote.

Anyone with information about the origin of the puppies is urged to contact the Chesapeake Police non-emergency number at (757) 382-6161 or Chesapeake Animal Services at (757) 382-8080. health.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- One person suffered life-threatening injuries following a single-vehicle crash in Norfolk on Thursday evening.

According to Norfolk Police, a call came in around 6:25 p.m. in reference to a single car crash in the 1200 block of Church Street.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays in the area.

There are no additional details at this time.