Suspect ID'd in Franklin homicide

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) - Franklin Police are searching for a man they say is responsible for a homicide along Pearl Street Thursday night.

According to Lt. T. W. Whitt, officers responded to Pearl Street around 8:30 p.m. for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found 30-year-old Eric Dewayne Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower torso.

Smith was transported by air to Norfolk General Hospital where he died from his injuries as he was being treated.

Through further investigation, officers have identified Sol Damacus Burke, aka Dukey, as a suspect in the shooting and are currently searching for him.

Burke is described as a 25-year-old black male standing 6’4” and weighing 230 pounds. He has a tattoo of “Dukey” on his right forearm and bicep.

Whitt said Burke’s last known address was in the 1200 block of Blythewood Lane in Suffolk and may be driving a 2004 red Dodge Durango with a Virginia tag of XDL-9247.

Burke is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Franklin Police Department at 757-562-8575, Det. Corporal J. Butts at 757-562-2849 or the Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-562-8599.