PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The individual who was first accused of second-degree murder for the 2022 fatal shooting of a 2-year-old in Portsmouth has admitted guilt to charges of involuntary manslaughter and careless use of a weapon.
The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office reported that Al Demond McNeil was present at an apartment located on the 2800 block of Deep Creek Boulevard on August 10, 2022. According to evidence shown in court, McNeil was seated in a chair within the kitchen area as a child played nearby on the floor. During this time, the child’s mother went to get some food for her kid when suddenly, a firearm slipped from McNeil’s waistband onto the ground, accidentally discharging and hitting the young one.
As WAVY had previously covered A 2-year-old named Mayze Moon was fatally wounded when she was shot in the head and passed away at the hospital three days after the incident.
McNeil informed the responding officers that the shooting occurred accidentally; however, the subsequent investigation prompted the police to charge McNeil with the child’s death.
A judge from the general district court in Portsmouth denied McNeil bond, However, his defense lawyer challenged that ruling at the Portsmouth Circuit Court. There, Judge Brenda Spry approved a $20,000 bond for McNeil on Friday, August 19, 2022. She mandated he wear an ankle monitor and adhere to a curfew. Despite this, Judge Spry allowed McNeil to post bail even though the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office opposed it.
McNeil is set to be sentenced at 9 a.m. on August 4th.
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