The Roanoke community is mourning the tragic loss of Erick Telsaint, age 24, whose life was taken in a deadly shooting Tuesday night in southeast Roanoke.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:59 p.m. in the 300 block of Tazewell Avenue Southeast, underneath a bridge. Officers with the Roanoke Police Department responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find Erick suffering from gunshot wound injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to preliminary findings, Erick was walking under the bridge when he became involved in an argument with the suspect. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, during which the suspect allegedly shot Erick, police said.
The suspect, Samuel Petit Davis, 49, was quickly located and detained by officers. He has since been charged with second-degree murder. The case remains under active investigation by the Roanoke Police Department.
Erick Telsaint was reported to have no fixed address, and his death has drawn attention to the vulnerability of individuals experiencing instability, while leaving many in the community grieving a young life lost far too soon.
As loved ones and community members mourn, authorities are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Erick Telsaint’s family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. May his life be remembered with dignity, and may he rest in peace.
