Reporter dies in Virginia restaurant shooting

NORFOLK, Virginia, USA (AP) A reporter for a Virginia newspaper was one of two people who lost their lives early Saturday in a shooting outside a restaurant and bar, authorities said.

Sierra Jenkins, a 25-year-old journalist covering education events for the Norfolk newspaper The Virginian-Pilot, died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital following the shooting outside Chicho's Pizza Backstage, officials say.

Norfolk Police detectives are investigating the incident in which three other people were injured. Jenkins was caught in the crossfire as she left the scene, restaurant manager Rory Schindel told the newspaper. The police had not announced any arrests on Saturday afternoon.

Jenkins grew up in Norfolk and graduated from Georgia State University. She was an intern at Atlanta Magazine and CNN before joining The Pilot in December 2020.

“Sierra was a brilliant and talented woman with a lot going for her. His passion for journalism was undeniable, and our community is better because of his articles,” said Kris Worrell, editorial director of Virginia Media, which runs The Virginian-Piloto and other newspapers. “Sierra was fun, dynamic and full of enthusiasm. We are absolutely heartbroken.”

Schindel explained that the waiters had announced that closing time was close and turned off the lights around 1:30 in the morning. Outside the shop, a discussion began when people began to retire and soon after gunshots were heard, the newspaper published.

Norfolk Police identified the other deceased person as Devon M. Harris, 25, of Portsmouth. Another woman has a life-threatening gunshot wound. Two more men suffered gunshot wounds, but their lives were not in danger, police said in a statement.

Jenkins' father Maurice Jenkins, from Virginia Beach, told the newspaper that his daughter was “not a person who liked to go out much,” but a friend who visited the area wanted to do so.