NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A 29-year-old man was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of second-degree murder.

Court records show that on Dec. 1, 2023, Javon Jerome Reap walked into the 7-Eleven at 151 W. Little Creek Road and shot Antwain Desean Curtis in the chest at point-blank range. The bullet pierced Curtis’ heart, and he died almost instantly.

The store’s security cameras captured the entire incident from multiple angles and detectives were able to identify Reap as a suspect based on the surveillance footage. Warrants were secured against Reap for conspiring to commit second-degree murder, committing second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of second-degree murder.

Police were also able to collect cell phone data that placed Reap in the vicinity of the 7-Eleven at the time of the shooting. Additionally, the vehicle Reap arrived and fled in was captured by the Flock system.

In March, Reap was located in New York City and was later transferred to Norfolk police custody in April.

During the trial, Reap testified that he was acting in self-defense because he felt threatened by Curtis. However, video footage from the store did not support his claim.

After almost two hours of deliberation, the jury found Reap guilty of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of second-degree murder. 

“The evidence at trial showed that Mr. Reap shot and killed Mr. Curtis for no reason, and that is murder,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “The jury has spoken and held Mr. Reap accountable for his actions, and at sentencing we will seek a sentence that reflects the serious crime that Mr. Reap has committed.”

Reap’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20.