Police say homicide victims knew each other

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Police have identified the two victims of a double homicide along Arkansas Avenue early Friday morning.

According to Chris Amos with the Norfolk Police Department, the double shooting occurred in the 2400 block of Arkansas Avenue around 12:45 a.m.

"I heard three gunshots [Thursday night]," Vince, who lives close to the scene, said. "I told my wife to get on the floor. That's what we did last night until everything played out."

When officers responded to a call of shots fired, they found a male gunshot victim in a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fifteen minutes later, officers located a second male victim in an open lot as they were canvassing the area. He was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the victims have been identified as Antonio Reed, 23, of the 2400 block of East Princess Anne and Shawn Ballard, 25, of the 2400 block of Arkansas Ave. Police say the two men knew each other.

A relative of Ballard spoke to WAVY.com.

"The only thing our family wants is the person who actually did this to him," she said. " We just want that person caught. Right now, we're trying to be strong and hold on to our faith."

Neighbors say they feel uneasy.

"It's dangerous out here," neighbor Shari said. "You can't even have the kids play out here. It's very dangerous."

Police are still trying to determine a motive and identify a suspect.

Anyone with information should call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.