Virginia Beach Triple Shooting Suspect Identified as Convicted Felon Eugene Martin; Faces Multiple Charges After April 14 Gunfire Eruption
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Authorities have identified 36-year-old Eugene Martin as the suspect in a violent triple shooting that unfolded on Haygood Road on the night of Sunday, April 14, 2025. The incident left three people hospitalized — including Martin himself — and has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement against felons found in possession of firearms.
Martin, a Virginia Beach resident with prior convictions related to firearms and narcotics, now faces an extensive list of charges in connection with the shooting. According to the Virginia Beach Police Department and a criminal complaint reviewed by WTKR News 3, Martin has been formally charged with:
- Two counts of Aggravated Malicious Wounding
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (2nd Offense)
- Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling
- Discharging a Firearm in Public
- Possession of a Firearm while Distributing or Possessing with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Schedule I or II Substance with Intent to Distribute (3rd Offense)
Chain of Events Leading to the Shooting
According to police and court documents, Martin was visiting a home in the 4700 block of Haygood Road — the residence of one of the victims, a woman who was reportedly in a dispute with Martin earlier in the evening. The confrontation allegedly escalated when the woman attempted to remove Martin from the property. Martin remained on the porch, continuing to argue with her, at which point another man inside the home intervened.
That man, who is not being identified by police as he has not been charged, reportedly armed himself before stepping outside. The man told officers that Martin also had a weapon and fired the first shot. In response, the man returned fire, leading to a shootout that left Martin and two other individuals injured.
A separate witness confirmed to investigators that Martin had discharged his firearm toward the house. Upon Martin’s arrest, police recovered 30 pills from his person. Martin allegedly told officers the pills were ecstasy, which he claimed were intended for personal use, though charges now reflect intent to distribute.
Police Chief’s Strong Words
In a press conference following the incident, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate did not mince words. “We are, once again, reporting on an instance of gun violence involving a felon illegally possessing a firearm,” Neudigate said. “Based on 35 years of policing, I can state unequivocally that the number one precursor to shooting violence is felons in possession of firearms.”
The chief went on to issue a stark call to action, urging elected officials and the justice system to treat such offenses with the severity they merit. “If we want to get serious about reducing gun violence, we must demand substantial penalties for these crimes,” he stated.
Community Alarmed by Surge in Violence
The shooting on Haygood Road was one of three separate incidents of gun violence in Virginia Beach within a 24-hour period that collectively left six people injured. The surge has left residents and law enforcement increasingly concerned about rising crime and the availability of illegal weapons.
The location of the shooting — not far from Luxford Elementary and Bayside High School — has added to public concern, particularly as the city considers additional safety measures in and around school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Investigation Ongoing
As of now, Eugene Martin remains in custody, and police are continuing to investigate the full scope of events surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may be filed or whether further suspects may be involved.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is urged to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Line.
This latest episode of gun violence has once again ignited a conversation about recidivism, gun access, and how best to safeguard communities from those who repeatedly violate the law — especially when those violations involve deadly weapons.