Judge Dismissed Charges in Virginia Beach Shooting
A judge dropped 18 charges against Andrew Anthony after finding insufficient evidence in the March 2026 shooting.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Violence
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A Virginia Beach judge dismissed all 18 charges against Andrew Anthony following a preliminary hearing into a shooting at the Oceanfront. The incident left six people injured, including Johntee Kirby, who suffered severe ankle wounds.
Why it matters
The court determined that presence and association with other defendants were insufficient to tie Anthony to the alleged attempted robbery. While Anthony is cleared, three other defendants continue to face charges for their roles in the violence.
The court dismissed 18 charges against Andrew Anthony after video evidence placed him 10 feet behind the victim. Six individuals were injured in the March 2026 shooting, and three other suspects remain under prosecution.
The players
Andrew Anthony
He was a defendant who faced 18 criminal charges related to a shooting before they were dismissed by a judge.
Johntee Kirby
He is a victim of the shooting who sustained ankle injuries that required the surgical insertion of metal plates.
Alex Scott Jr.
He is one of the three remaining defendants scheduled to continue facing charges in connection to the shooting.
The details
During the preliminary hearing, eight witnesses, including detectives and victims, testified before the judge. Digital evidence and video footage failed to provide definitive proof that Anthony participated in an attempted robbery, leading to the case dismissal.
Timeline
The shooting incident occurred at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in March 2026.
A preliminary hearing for the defendants took place on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
This ruling follows a previous dismissal of charges against Matheus Cavalcante, where the court cited self-defense as a primary factor. The ongoing prosecutions of the remaining three defendants continue to test the evidentiary standards of the local judicial system.
Residents may see continued legal activity as the prosecution proceeds against the three remaining defendants. The dismissal highlights the specific evidentiary burdens required for conviction in major local criminal cases.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical role of video evidence and witness testimony in shaping the outcome of preliminary hearings. Legal experts note that proximity to a crime scene is often insufficient for conviction without clear evidence of active participation.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and public safety in the area, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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