Eleven-year-old Azizi Damar Booth was found shot and killed in the kitchen of a house in the 300 block of 6 1/2 Street just after midnight this morning, according to a Charlottesville Police Department press release. Police were directed to Booth by 23 year-old Rueben Lewis III, who they found shot. Booth was pronounced dead at the scene. Lewis was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.
Later this morning, Waverly “Eddie” Whitlock, 27, reported to the police department in connection with the case and is being held in Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond. He has been charged with capital murder, robbery, malicious wounding and other related charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 25 in Charlottesville General District Court. Whitlock is believed to be from the 300 block of 6 1/2 Street, and was apparently acquainted with the adult shooting victim, Lewis, who lived with the Booths and was the boyfriend of Azizi’s mother.
"She is just heartbroken and shattered," said Chief Tim Longo at a noon press conference. Police believe that robbery was the motive for the incident but are continuing to investigate.
 27 year old Waverly Edward Whitlock, Jr. has been charged with capital murder, robbery and malicious wounding. |
Booth was a sixth grader at Walker Upper Elementary School, where he had taken part in a graduation ceremony on Friday. City school superintendent Rosa Atkins said Booth was known as a "student with a big smile" who also had a "passion for basketball." Tomorrow is the last day of school and officials have implemented their crisis control plan to provide counseling to students and staff.
"The grief process takes a long time," Atkins said.