On the night of February 21, 2025, a seemingly routine traffic stop in Virginia Beach, Virginia, turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when two police officers were shot and killed. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old John McCoy III, left a community reeling and authorities searching for answers.

Two Virginia Beach Police officers are dead after being shot during a traffic stop Friday night
Two Virginia Beach Police officers are dead after being shot during a traffic stop Friday night

Background of John McCoy III

John McCoy III was a 42-year-old resident of Virginia Beach with a troubled past. While specifics about his upbringing remain unclear, public records reveal a prior felony conviction in 2009. The exact nature of this conviction has not been disclosed, but under federal law, individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms. Violating this prohibition is itself a felony offense, adding another layer of complexity to McCoy’s actions.

Who is John McCoy III? The Suspect Behind the Killing of Two Virginia Police Officers
John McCoy III

Neighbors described McCoy as a reclusive individual who had minimal interaction with the community. “He mostly kept to himself,” said one neighbor. “You’d see him come and go, but he never really spoke to anyone.” Such remarks paint a picture of a man living on the fringes of society, potentially harboring grievances or struggling with personal issues.

The Fatal Incident

Who is John McCoy III? The Suspect Behind the Killing of Two Virginia Police Officers
The Virginia Beach Police Department released photos of slain officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese, Feb. 25, 2025. Virginia Beach Police Department/Facebook

The deadly encounter began when Officers Christopher Reese, 30, and Cameron Girvin, 25, conducted a traffic stop on a blue Hyundai Sonata with expired license plates. The stop occurred around 11:30 p.m. on South Rosemont Road. When McCoy failed to comply with the officers’ instructions, a short pursuit ensued, ending on Sylvan Court.

Body-worn camera footage, described by Police Chief Paul Neudigate as "horrific," captured the entire incident. After stopping the vehicle, McCoy displayed aggressive behavior, refusing multiple requests to exit the car. When he eventually complied, a physical altercation erupted. During the struggle, McCoy drew a pistol from his pocket, shooting both officers multiple times. He then delivered fatal shots to each officer before walking away from the scene.

The swift and brutal nature of the attack left first responders and law enforcement officials in shock. “It was pure evil,” Chief Neudigate said during a press conference. “These officers were doing their jobs, keeping our community safe, and they were ambushed.”

John McCoy III had a Criminal History

New details have emerged regarding the federal criminal record of the man accused by Virginia Beach police of fatally shooting two officers—Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese—during a traffic stop late Friday night, before allegedly taking his own life. Court records from April 2009 reveal that John McCoy III was among several defendants in an 82‑count federal indictment tied to a drug trafficking ring. Federal authorities stated that this operation distributed drugs throughout Hampton Roads as well as in cities like Miami and Phoenix, and even in Central America. The indictment indicated that in April 2006, McCoy possessed roughly 480 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute. It also charged him with shooting a man in the face and neck in October 2006, reportedly as retribution for a drug‑related burglary from December 2004.

McCoy pleaded guilty in October 2009, admitting to both the marijuana possession and the shooting incident. In January 2010, he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, and records show he was released in December 2017. Although his sentencing agreement called for five years of supervised release, he was freed from supervision in October 2019 based on a probation officer’s recommendation.

On the night of the incident, officers Girvin and Reese attempted to stop McCoy’s vehicle for expired license plates. When he eventually exited his car after becoming combative, he fired two shots at each officer before calmly walking away. McCoy was later found in a nearby shed with a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. The official cause of death remains under investigation, and no motive has been established.

Aftermath and Investigation

Following the shooting, a large-scale manhunt was launched. Approximately 40 minutes later, McCoy was found dead in a shed behind a nearby apartment complex. Authorities confirmed that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Notably, no officers fired their weapons during the incident, highlighting the suddenness and severity of McCoy’s actions.

Investigators are piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, exploring possible motives. One theory is that McCoy’s prior felony conviction—and the new felony charge he faced for illegal firearm possession—may have contributed to his violent response. “He knew he was going back to prison,” speculated a law enforcement source. “That might have been enough to push him over the edge.”

Neudigate said investigators are trying to determine a motive for the double homicide. He said McCoy had one felony conviction stemming from 2009, but had the officers found the gun on him, he would have faced a new felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"I think we all want to know that," Neudigate said of the motive. "But I think only one person does, and that individual is deceased."

He said the person in the car with McCoy at the time of the shooting was not arrested and is not facing any charges.

Community Impact and Response

The tragic loss of Officers Reese and Girvin has sent shockwaves through Virginia Beach. Officer Girvin, a 2017 graduate of Gates Chili High School in New York, was expecting his first child with his wife, Jessica. Officer Reese, who joined the Virginia Beach Police Department in 2020, was described as a dedicated officer with a bright future.

Candlelight vigils and memorials have been organized to honor the fallen officers. At one such event, Mayor Bobby Dyer led a moment of silence. “Our city is heartbroken,” he said. “No words can ease the pain and loss.” The department has also implemented additional safety measures, including pairing officers in patrol cars to provide emotional support and enhance security.

Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer led a moment of silence for Reese and Girvin at the start of Saturday's news conference, calling the officers "heroes."

"Today our city is heartbroken," Dyer said. "We mourn the loss of two of our own brave Virginia Beach police officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their dedication to protecting our community will never be forgotten."

Implications

This incident underscores the inherent dangers that police officers face daily, even during routine duties like traffic stops. It also brings attention to the legal and societal challenges related to firearm possession by convicted felons. Experts suggest this case could spark policy discussions on how to better enforce firearm restrictions for individuals with criminal histories.

The Virginia Beach Police Department is reviewing protocols and training related to high-risk encounters, with a focus on officer safety and de-escalation techniques. “We need to learn from this,” Chief Neudigate emphasized. “Our officers deserve every tool and strategy to protect themselves and our community.”

Police warn against donation scams after Virginia Beach Police officers' tragedy

Following the tragic deaths of Virginia Beach police officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese in the line of duty, the Hampton Roads community is rallying to support their families. The Virginia Beach Police Department warned against potential fundraising scams, urging donations only to verified sources. To ensure secure contributions, the department announced official fundraisers for the Girvin and Reese families and suggested donations to the Virginia Beach Police Foundation. Local businesses, including Haygood Skating Center, also joined in. The center's owner, Shaggy Stokes, organized a skating event on Sunday, raising nearly $2,600 through admissions to support the officers' families. The department also recommended channeling support through local Citizen Advisory Committees for food and item donations.

Fallen Virginia Beach officers recognized with moment of silence in Congress

Who is John McCoy III? The Suspect Behind the Killing of Two Virginia Police Officers
Virginia Beach officers recognized with moment of silence in Congress

On Monday, Virginia's House of Representatives held a moment of silence to honor Virginia Beach police officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese, who were tragically killed during a traffic stop on Saturday morning. The Virginia Congressional Delegation paid tribute to the officers' service and sacrifice.

Officer Christopher Reese, 31, served with the Virginia Beach Police Department and the Sheriff's Office for six years, leaving behind a wife. Rep. Jen Kiggans praised his loyalty and dedication to the community.

Officer Cameron Girvin, 25, joined the department in 2020. He is survived by his wife and unborn daughter, Paisley. Kiggans remembered him for his contagious smile and love for his family.

The community expressed deep sorrow, with many sharing their grief on social media. In Virginia Beach, a memorial featuring flowers, candles, and black bunting now surrounds two police vehicles, honoring the fallen heroes.

Conclusion

The tragic events involving John McCoy III and the deaths of Officers Christopher Reese and Cameron Girvin highlight the unpredictable and often perilous nature of law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the memory of the fallen officers, supporting their families, and fostering a safer community. The legacy of Reese and Girvin will serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice inherent in serving and protecting the public.

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