Norfolk Man Dion Melton, 32, Fatally Shot on Bagnall Road: Family Believes He Was Set Up
NORFOLK, VA — A family is left grieving and searching for answers after 32-year-old Dion Melton was fatally shot early Sunday morning in Norfolk. While detectives continue to piece together what led to the tragic killing, Melton’s family believes the young father and son was lured into a deadly setup.
According to the Norfolk Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Bagnall Road around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, following reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they discovered Melton suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
The home where the shooting occurred soon became the center of an active crime scene. Witnesses told local media they saw police breaching a residence on Bagnall Road, with tactical units and investigators working into the early morning hours. WAVY reporters on site observed crime scene tape surrounding the area, with officers interviewing neighbors and collecting potential evidence.
As police continue their investigation, Melton’s family is struggling to understand why and how this happened — but they say they have reason to believe Dion was set up. According to family members, he had gone to visit a woman that night, but the situation took a deadly turn when he was instead ambushed by another man, who they claim opened fire.
“He was set up. He thought he was going to see somebody he trusted. Instead, he walked into a trap,” a family spokesperson said during an emotional moment outside the crime scene.
Melton’s father, Cedric Cradle, is devastated by the loss of his second-born son. While acknowledging Dion had his fair share of personal struggles, Cradle insisted his son was not violent and had no history of carrying weapons.
“Didn’t carry no guns,” Cradle said. “You know, he had his troubles, but he has no violent history, you know, none of that.”
Melton was described by relatives as a complicated but caring man, someone who made mistakes but also tried to be there for his loved ones. His sudden and violent death has left a deep hole in their hearts.
“This wasn’t just some street shooting — this was calculated,” said another relative. “Someone knew he was coming. Someone knew where to find him. We need answers.”
As of Tuesday morning, Norfolk Police have not made any arrests or publicly identified a suspect. The investigation remains active, and detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the neighborhood and encouraging residents in the area to check security cameras for any suspicious activity between midnight and 2 a.m.
In the meantime, the Melton family is preparing to lay their loved one to rest, even as questions far outweigh answers.
“He didn’t deserve to go out like this,” Cradle said. “All we want now is the truth. And justice.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Norfolk Police Homicide Unit at (757) 664-7023 or submit anonymous tips through the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.