VA - Justin Eberhart, 38, Portsmouth, 19 Oct 2008

[Noway]

Angelwngs, my prayers are with you, Justin's family and his friends.

If I read your post correctly, Justin was shot in the shoulder and that bullet severed a major artery, resulting in death and he was grazed by a second bullet. Maybe not in that order, but there were two shots.

IMO, one shot would have been an accidental shooting. With the two shots, I think more toward homicide. Had Justin elaborated on why this man had, the previous month (edited from week), threatened to kill him?

I'm wondering whether the first shot was the one that grazed him (after seeing the gun, he attempted to get the gun away from the shooter) and the second was the one that killed him. I understand that they would need to wait for forensics to determine this.

Since the girlfriend's story changes, I hope that the police are letting her "talk" so that the facts can be revealed.

SeriouslySearching has some great points, and I agree that the good, the bad, and the ugly about all those involved needs to come out. It may be irrelevant to the case, but that's what needs to be determined.

 

[MissieMt]

I don't have anything to contribute in a investigation sort of way. But what I can contribute is what I know of Justin. I grew up with him. I remember the first time I met him, even what we were both wearing.

I know that everyone probably realizes this from angelwngs posts, but Justin was truly a great person.

We dated for a short time during high school - after years and years of knowing one another. Justin was the most even-tempered person. I really don't think I have ever seen him upset about anything. He never - not even once - in all the years that I knew him, lost his cool.

So, at first when I read that it was a domestic dispute...I said "WHAT???" Justin Eberhart involved in a domestic dispute?? My first reaction was "No Way!". But then I started thinking...can someone really change that much in 10 years??? (I haven't seen him since we graduated). But I really don't think that he could have.

He was a wonderful person. In every way. He made typical teenage mistakes, ones that we all made...back when I knew him. But never, never was he one to have put himself in a situation in which he would have found a gun pointing at his chest.

Maybe his downfall was that he was too calm. And cared about people too much. He has never been one to give up on someone so easily...even if they were a "drama queen" or someone that needed help (as it sounds KY was). He has never been one to just leave someone because of their shortcomings. Maybe he was just trying to stick it out...for her...because he cared. But she clearly does not care about him at this time.

One thing I do have to say, is that she best hope that she does not make it to that small town to the funeral. Justin had a lot of friends that care deeply for him. She will not be safe from many unkind words.

I pray for her heart, and the heart of the others involved...that they will do the right thing.

I will do what I can to investigate online sites (Myspace, Facebook, etc to get as much info as I can). So PM me the names if possible.

This individual, that took such a light in life, needs to be prosecuted. Its not right...not right at all. That such a scum of a human being should be able to walk free without anything...and Justin, such a wonderful man, should have to die.

Welcome to Websleuths!!!!! I think your post is just what this thread needed right now, and look forward to reading your future posts. You described Justin in such a beautiful manner, please email the editors at the newspapers!!! If you need help finding some email addy's for them I will do my best to help, just PM me!

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Is there a link to a photo of Justin anywhere?

 

[angelwngs]

Angelwngs, my prayers are with you, Justin's family and his friends.

If I read your post correctly, Justin was shot in the shoulder and that bullet severed a major artery, resulting in death and he was grazed by a second bullet. Maybe not in that order, but there were two shots.

IMO, one shot would have been an accidental shooting. With the two shots, I think more toward homicide. Has Justin elaborated on why this man had, the previous week, threatened to kill him?

I'm wondering whether the first shot was the one that grazed him (after seeing the gun, he attempted to get the gun away from the shooter) and the second was the one that killed him. I understand that they would need to wait for forensics to determine this.

Since the girlfriend's story changes, I hope that the police are letting her "talk" so that the facts can be revealed.

SeriouslySearching has some great points, and I agree that the good, the bad, and the ugly about all those involved needs to come out. It may be irrelevant to the case, but that's what needs to be determined.

Noway, Yes. It is my understanding that two shots were fired. One entered just below his shoulder blade and traveled upwards through his throat and exited and severed a major artery.

~~~ (Family please correct me by phone and I will alter any mis-info if you catch any misleadng or wrong details here...It is never intentional, rather from excessive over-drive and lack of sleep here.)~~~

The threat to my understanding by DH was a month ago not last week.

We do not yet know which shot was fired first. Justin's dad has his theory about that and voiced it last night. I tend to agree with his thoughts on that subject, but I guess it is just speculation on our parts until crime lab reports come back.

I totally agree with you about one shot being accidental. It is much, much more difficult to understand and accept two shots as accidental.

It is also very difficult to understand the gun EVER being involved in the first place, since KY was already inside the car and that there is NO evidence so far that Justin caused anyone present to be fearful for their life. He was unarmed.

SS, is a terrific sleuther here at WS and I highly respect her! She always adds much to every case she has dedicated herself to and I am thankful for her help here. I hope that in the near future we will be able to answer the important personal questions that need answering to further the case.
I know it is important in the search of truth and justice... and I thank all of you for your respectful 'holding back' from asking those tough questions for the sake of the victim and his family at this very emotional, stressful (present) time.

 

[angelwngs]

Is there a link to a photo of Justin anywhere?

I'll see what I can do to post one. Justin's brother sent photographs to the Virginia Pilot, but I haven't found any there as of yet.

 

[STEADFAST]

Doesn't it seem that someone getting out of the car with a gun in his hand, considering that the car could have merely driven away, would make the gunman liable even if he claims to have not meant to shoot Justin?

 

[lizzybeth]

I'll see what I can do to post one. Justin's brother sent photographs to the Virginia Pilot, but I haven't found any there as of yet.

After I read your post about Justin's family contancting the VA-Pilot I checked the paper and didn't see anything yet. I'll keep checking though.

 

[angelwngs]

After I read your post about Justin's family contancting the VA-Pilot I checked the paper and didn't see anything yet. I'll keep checking though.

Thanks Lizzy! I just got off the phone with Justin's mom's sister and she is trying to email me photographs of Justin to post here.

Steadfast, I agree! 110%... That is the main point in this that does not add up to accidental IMO.

I need your help, guys...

Anyone who is willing to round up local media website links and post them in one post here for family and friends and any concerned sleuther to email, write or call on behalf of "Justice for Justin" would be greatly appreciated. Keep the Investigation Fires Burning!

Lizzy, could you possibly post all the local media links to a post here for us if you have time please????

 

[Noway]

Doesn't it seem that someone getting out of the car with a gun in his hand, considering that the car could have merely driven away, would make the gunman liable even if he claims to have not meant to shoot Justin?

IMO, yes. She was in the car and at that time, Justin was no threat to any of them. If he had approached the car, and this man simply pointed the gun at him as they drove off, it would have been enough of a deterrent. IMO

I am interested in the previous threat this man made to Justin (the month before). Could it be that he used rescuing Justin's girlfriend as an excuse for doing what he wanted to do the month before? Assuming it was a real threat and not just talk as we've probably all been known to do.

 

[angelwngs]

contacts

daily press
http://www.dailypress.com/services/s...6430.htmlstory

WVEC
http://www.wvec.com/news/people.html

Virginian-Pilot/HamptonRoads
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/05/online-news-team

Thanks so much MissieMT!!!!!!

Others feel free to add more...

 

[lizzybeth]

http://www.wavy.com/Global/category.asp?C=3240&nav=menu45_12_4


http://www.myfoxhamptonroads.com/myfox/pages/News/Local?pageId=3.2

I may not have posted the link for a contact person but these will at least let the family know of the other media sources in the area.

 

[STEADFAST]

Could it be that he used rescuing Justin's girlfriend as an excuse for doing what he wanted to do the month before? Assuming it was a real threat and not just talk as we've probably all been known to do.

I think he probably did just that. There was no reason to get out of the car except to assault Justin, IMO.

 

[angelwngs]

These are family photographs of Justin sent to me by family to post here at Websleuths.
#1-Justin and his angel and his sweet Mom~
#2-Justin being Daddy to sweet angel~
#3-Justin and his proud Dad and Proud Grandparents

 

[MissieMt]

Wow....makes it a bit more personal when you see pics of him and his little girl

 

[angelwngs]

More pics of Justin~
#1-Justin the Sweetheart~ What a special guy! I'm sitting here crying as I post this Justin.
You will be missed Dearheart! God Speed Justin. We will fight the fight to see that justice is fairly served in your name!

#2 Justin- Beach pic with his Bro~

 

[angelwngs]

Justin-Far right-His Mom and His Bro on far left~

 

[angelwngs]

Justin-When he was a New Daddy with his angel~

 

[angelwngs]

Ok... posting those pictures has successfully ripped my heart out...and made his senseless death so very real...

Need to take a break for a bit here to regain composure and strength...

 

[tntsparty]

I wish I could see the pics but I guess I haven't been a member long enough. My heart breaks for you and for Justin's family. Such a senseless murder.

 

[MCDRAW]

I wish I could see the pics but I guess I haven't been a member long enough. My heart breaks for you and for Justin's family. Such a senseless murder.

I can't see the picture either.