VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Preliminary Hearing Held for Suspect in Fatal Smoke Shop Shooting
A preliminary hearing took place Thursday morning in Virginia Beach General District Court for 22-year-old Jeremiah Quinones, a Norfolk resident who is facing multiple felony charges in connection to a deadly shooting that occurred earlier this year inside a local smoke shop.
The incident, which claimed the life of 26-year-old Lequan Cherry, also of Norfolk, happened at the Happy Smoke Super Gift Shop, located on Virginia Beach Boulevard. The shooting has since sparked a complex legal case, with emerging details shedding light on what transpired that day.
A Deadly Encounter
According to investigators from the Virginia Beach Police Department, the fatal shooting was the result of a verbal altercation between Quinones and Cherry. Authorities believe that the confrontation escalated quickly once the two men began arguing inside the store. Details about the nature of the dispute have not been fully disclosed, but police have confirmed that the argument became violent, culminating in the fatal gunfire.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, where Cherry was found with gunshot wounds. Despite attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Quinones was taken into custody in the days following the shooting.
Testimony Highlights Emotional Toll
During Thursday’s preliminary hearing, the Commonwealth’s Attorney presented testimony from several witnesses, with the most impactful coming from Cherry’s girlfriend, who was present during the events leading up to the shooting. She recounted the moments prior to the tragedy, telling the court that Cherry had picked her up from work that day, accompanied by their 7-year-old son, who was seated in the back of the car.
According to her testimony, they had stopped by the smoke shop together, though it remains unclear whether Quinones was already inside or entered after them. Her statements provided the court with a clearer timeline and emotional context, painting a picture of a seemingly routine family outing that turned deadly in a matter of minutes.
Though she was not inside the shop at the moment the shooting occurred, she reportedly heard the gunshots from outside and rushed in to find Cherry mortally wounded. Her testimony became a pivotal point in the day’s proceedings, highlighting the traumatic experience for both her and her young son, who witnesses say may have seen some part of the aftermath.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Jeremiah Quinones is currently facing a series of felony charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (pending confirmation)
These charges could result in a significant prison sentence if Quinones is ultimately convicted. The hearing on Thursday was held to determine whether there was enough evidence to proceed to trial. Based on the testimonies and evidence presented, the judge found sufficient probable cause and certified the case to a grand jury.
A trial date has not yet been set, but Quinones will remain in custody as the case moves forward.
Community Reaction and Broader Impact
The shooting shocked many in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk communities, especially given the public nature of the incident and the presence of a child at the scene. The Happy Smoke Super Gift Shop, a popular destination for tobacco and novelty items, remained closed for several days after the incident. Its owners later released a statement expressing condolences to Cherry’s family and emphasizing their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement.
Local advocacy groups have called for greater measures to prevent gun violence, especially in public businesses and family-friendly areas. Meanwhile, friends and relatives of Cherry have mourned his death on social media, remembering him as a devoted father and partner.
Next Steps in the Case
The case against Jeremiah Quinones will now go before a grand jury, which will determine whether to indict him formally on the charges presented. If indicted, Quinones will face arraignment and further court proceedings in Circuit Court.
As the legal process unfolds, the Commonwealth is expected to continue building its case, potentially introducing surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and additional eyewitness testimony. Defense counsel for Quinones has yet to comment publicly but is likely to argue self-defense or other mitigating factors during the trial.
The tragic loss of Lequan Cherry remains at the heart of the proceedings—a young life cut short, and a family forever changed. The court proceedings ahead are expected to delve deeper into the motives, actions, and consequences of that fateful day at the Happy Smoke Super Gift Shop.