A homicide investigation is currently underway in Hampton, Virginia, following a tragic shooting that took place on the night of May 6, 2025. Xavier Sterling, a 29-year-old man, was fatally shot outside Chance’s Restaurant and Lounge, a well-known establishment located in the 500 block of Settlers Landing Road in downtown Hampton. The incident occurred around 10:48 p.m. and has left the local community in shock as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

The Shooting Incident: A Violent Altercation Escalates

Officers from the Hampton Police Division were swiftly dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting outside the restaurant and lounge. Upon arrival, they discovered Xavier Sterling suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel from the Hampton Fire and Rescue Division provided immediate aid and transported him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Sterling was later pronounced dead.

Initial investigations indicate that the incident began with an altercation inside Chance’s Restaurant and Lounge. The altercation, whose details remain unclear, appears to have escalated outside the establishment, where an unidentified suspect fired a weapon, fatally striking Sterling. Authorities have not released further details about the altercation inside the business, nor have they clarified the nature of the dispute.

The Search for the Suspect

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, and no arrests have been made as of now. Hampton Police Division’s Major Crimes Unit is actively leading the investigation, and detectives are working diligently to piece together the events of that evening. Authorities have not yet provided a description of the suspect or released information about a possible motive for the shooting.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information about the suspect to come forward. In particular, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Hampton Police Division directly or submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

A Community in Shock

The shooting has left the community of Hampton reeling. Chance’s Restaurant and Lounge, a popular local venue, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and often serves as a gathering place for people in the downtown area. The violence that erupted in the parking lot has deeply affected local residents and business owners, many of whom are now questioning the safety of the area.

While Hampton is generally considered a safe city, this tragic incident highlights the unpredictability of violent crime and the devastating impact it can have on both the victim and the wider community. Locals have expressed their sorrow over the loss of life, with many calling for increased security measures to ensure that future tragedies can be avoided.

Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Cooperation

Detectives from the Hampton Police Division’s Major Crimes Unit have taken charge of the investigation and are working with forensic experts to gather evidence from the scene. The police have stated that the investigation remains active, and they are focusing on reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. The motive behind the altercation and subsequent shooting is still unknown, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including personal disputes, gang involvement, or other factors.

In the meantime, local law enforcement is asking residents to remain patient and cooperative as the investigation continues. They have called on the community to support the ongoing efforts by providing any potential leads or information that could help solve the case. The public’s assistance is crucial in bringing the responsible individual or individuals to justice.

The Family and the Impact of Gun Violence

Xavier Sterling’s death marks yet another senseless tragedy involving gun violence, which continues to plague communities across the country. While the details surrounding this case remain scarce, the emotional toll it has taken on Sterling’s family, friends, and the community at large is undeniable. The loss of a young life, particularly in such a violent and public manner, raises important questions about the prevalence of gun violence and the need for greater efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

As authorities work to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting, the Sterling family and the Hampton community are left to cope with their grief. Local organizations, including victim services and grief counselors, are expected to provide support to those affected by this senseless loss.

The Path Forward: Seeking Justice and Closure

As Hampton Police continue their investigation, the search for the person responsible for Xavier Sterling’s death remains a top priority. Authorities are hopeful that someone from the public will come forward with information that could help bring closure to the case and ensure that justice is served.

For now, the community remains on edge as they await updates from law enforcement. The tragic events that transpired outside Chance’s Restaurant and Lounge have left a lasting impact, and many are questioning what can be done to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

A Final Call for Information

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Hampton Police Division at the provided number or submit tips anonymously via the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the events of that night or has any relevant details to come forward to assist in solving this case.

As the investigation continues, the Hampton community stands united in the hope that the responsible individual will be brought to justice. In the face of this senseless violence, the importance of community cooperation and support has never been more evident. The search for answers continues, and the memories of Xavier Sterling, his life, and the impact he had on those around him will not be forgotten.