PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A woman arrested in connection with the shooting that killed a 10-year-old boy on Farragut Street last week managed to avoid arrest after showing up late for her hearing Friday.
10 On Your Side’s Andy Fox went to the arraignment, where he said 31-year-old Shawnday Ross was late showing up for court. Portsmouth Juvenile Domestic Relations Judge Solomon Ashby called Ross first, around 9 a.m. She wasn’t there, and appeared to be a no-show.
Ashby continued his docket. At 9:49 a.m., Andy Fox left the courtroom, found Ross’ phone number and called her to tell her she was late for her hearing. She had no comment.
Andy later found Ross walking down the hallway. She identified herself, then went into the courtroom, and the hearing began. She told the court she was responsible for herself and three others. When Ross showed up, the judge was in the process of ordering a failure to appear, which would have issued a warrant for her arrest.
Ross is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the shooting death of Keontre Thornhill. The 10-year-old was inside his home, minding his own business the night of Friday, April 26, when he was hit by a stray bullet someone fired from outside. Police say the shooting stemmed from a fight between teenage girls.
After the hearing, 10 On Your Side asked Ross if she could explain the contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge. She said nothing as she left court, but you could hear her crying as she walked.
In court, the mother of three was given a court-appointed attorney.
Ross is due back in court at 9:30 a.m. July 1.
Officers are still looking for 26-year-old Cleon Deonte Banks as a person of interest in this case.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.