Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Newport News Stabbing

The quiet neighborhood of Newport News, site of a tragic crime.

News Summary

Oris Jerome Askew, a 46-year-old Hampton resident, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of Jerrice Wilkerson in Newport News. Wilkerson was found dead in her home, having suffered multiple injuries. Evidence including DNA, vehicle tracking, and surveillance footage has linked Askew to the crime. The case showcases the complexities of personal relationships and has resulted in community support for justice in Wilkerson’s family.

Newport News – A 46-year-old man, Oris Jerome Askew, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of 41-year-old Jerrice Wilkerson, whose body was discovered in her home on March 29. The Newport News Police Department announced the arrest on July 3, following an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Wilkerson was found unresponsive in the kitchen of her Southeast Newport News residence by her sister. An autopsy revealed she had been bludgeoned and stabbed multiple times, with a large metal bar recovered from the scene that matched the nature of her injuries. Detectives quickly noted that Wilkerson’s vehicle, a white 2015 Ford Transit van marked with “Bouquet of Perfumes,” was missing from her driveway, and there were no signs of forced entry into her home.

Askew, a resident of Hampton, had a prior romantic relationship with Wilkerson approximately 20 years ago. Friends of Wilkerson reported that Askew had harbored lingering feelings for her and had recently proposed moving in together, an invitation that Wilkerson reportedly declined. Investigators revealed that Askew was seen using Wilkerson’s van on March 28, the day before her body was found, where surveillance footage captured him shopping alone at a local Food Lion store.

Police efforts to locate the missing van utilized Flock license plate readers, which tracked the vehicle to Hampton on March 28. It was later located abandoned at the intersection of Beechmont and Chesapeake avenues, just near the Hampton border. Inside the van, investigators discovered a receipt from a 7-Eleven dated March 28, alongside surveillance footage showing both Wilkerson and Askew in the store earlier that morning.

Evidence collection continued with the utilization of Ring camera footage, which confirmed Wilkerson’s van was parked in her driveway until 6:34 a.m. on March 28, when it was taken. Askew was first arrested on March 31 for vehicle theft, during which he was questioned regarding Wilkerson’s disappearance. He claimed that he had been with her the previous night and that she had authorized him to use her van. However, observers noted that he did not exhibit any reaction when informed of Wilkerson’s death later during questioning.

Investigators found physical evidence that reinforced their case against Askew, including a noticeable cut on his right shoulder that matched a tear in a blood-stained shirt at the crime scene. Furthermore, forensic testing confirmed that DNA from the metal bar linked Askew to the crime. Mobile data indicated both Wilkerson’s and Askew’s phones showed them traveling together at various locations on the day before her body was found, and Wilkerson’s phone was later located discarded in a wooded area near a cemetery.

Following the charges, Askey is currently held without bond at the Newport News City Jail on multiple counts including murder, stabbing, and vehicle theft. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set. The Newport News Police Chief commended the investigative team’s commitment to unraveling the case and highlighted the crucial support from the community that contributed to achieving justice for Wilkerson’s family.

This tragic incident not only marks a significant criminal case but also serves as a grim reminder of the complexities surrounding interpersonal relationships and the tragic outcomes that can ensue. The police department is actively seeking to ensure accountability and closure for those affected by this event.