Federal Prosecutors Rest Case in 2016 Norfolk Murder Trial
Antwan Hue faces charges for a murder-for-hire plot tied to an international cocaine trafficking operation.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Drug Crime
Federal prosecutors rested their case on October 26, 2026, against Antwan Hue, who is accused of orchestrating the 2016 murder of Charlene Ryals in Norfolk. The 43-year-old defendant allegedly ordered the killing to protect his drug business after a passport denial hindered his travel.
Why it matters
The prosecution argues that Hue initiated the murder-for-hire contract when his inability to travel due to unpaid child support threatened the operational viability of his cocaine network.
Antwan Hue has pleaded not guilty to four felony counts including murder for hire and drug trafficking. While four co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty to their roles, Zquan Steeps previously saw murder charges against him dropped in 2019.
The players
Antwan Hue
The 43-year-old defendant stands accused of running a major cocaine trafficking ring and commissioning a murder-for-hire plot.
Charlene Ryals
The 38-year-old victim was a Navy veteran and mother who was killed in Norfolk in 2016.
Deshawn Mercer
He was reportedly hired alongside another man to carry out the murder of the victim for a promised sum of $10,000.
Zquan Steeps
He faced murder charges in 2019 regarding the incident, though those specific charges were later dropped.
Kayla Bedessie
She participated in the international drug operation alongside the defendant and other co-conspirators.
The details
Prosecutors allege Hue hired Deshawn Mercer and Zquan Steeps to kill the Navy veteran and mother of two on December 4, 2016. The underlying drug operation transported cocaine from Jamaica to the U.S. using mules who concealed packages inside specially sewn underwear.
Timeline
From 2014 to 2019, Antwan Hue coordinated an international cocaine trafficking operation.
In October 2016, Antwan Hue was denied passport renewal because of $8,000 in unpaid child support.
On December 4, 2016, Charlene Ryals was murdered in Norfolk.
In 2019, Zquan Steeps was charged with murder before the charges were eventually dropped.
On October 26, 2026, the prosecution rested its case in federal court.
Legal Context
This trial follows the federal patterns of prosecution for interstate and international criminal conspiracies established under the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. It highlights the Department of Justice's focus on dismantling complex drug networks through multi-defendant conspiracy charges.
This case highlights the long-term resolution of cold cases in Norfolk that have remained active for over a decade. Residents may observe continued media interest and security protocols as the federal trial moves toward its final verdict.
The takeaway
This case serves as a stark reminder of the long reach of federal investigators, who spent five years building this specific case against the defendant. It underscores how personal financial failures can escalate into criminal investigations that span years and multiple state borders.
Further reading
For more information on similar cases, visit the Drug Crime section.
