July 4, 2025

Newport News Man Charged with First-Degree Murder

News Summary

Oris Jerome Askew has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Jerrice Wilkerson, who was found dead in her Newport News home in March. Along with the murder charge, Askew faces two counts of assault related to the homicide. The investigation has garnered significant community interest, with police urging residents to assist in providing any relevant information.

Newport News Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in March Homicide

Newport News authorities have charged Oris Jerome Askew with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 41-year-old Jerrice Wilkerson. The announcement was made by the Newport News police on July 3, approximately three months after Wilkerson was found deceased in her home on March 29.

In addition to the murder charge, Askew faces two counts of assault in the commission of a felony. At the time of the announcement, he was already in custody on unrelated charges, specifically related to grand larceny auto theft.

On March 29, at around 3:30 p.m., police responded to a call regarding a deceased individual in the 1900 block of Marshall Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Wilkerson lying lifeless in her residence. Medical personnel pronounced her dead shortly after arriving on the scene. Following an investigation, authorities confirmed Wilkerson’s death was a homicide but have not disclosed the specific cause of death.

Community Support and Investigation

The Newport News Police Chief praised the investigative team for their commitment to seeking justice for Wilkerson’s family. The police also expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance throughout this investigation, which has drawn considerable public interest since its inception.

Following the tragic event, Askew was apprehended just two days later on charges unrelated to the homicide. The police have yet to release further details regarding the ongoing investigation or any potential motives for the crime.

Background Context

The case has raised concerns among the Newport News community, which has been affected by similar incidents in recent years. Authorities have taken the opportunity to remind residents about the importance of community support in solving crimes and ensuring safety within neighborhoods.

As the investigation continues, the Newport News police have urged anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist law enforcement officials. The apprehension of Askew marks a significant development in what has been a closely watched case since Wilkerson’s untimely death.

As of now, no additional information has been provided by police regarding the case, but officials remain committed to keeping the public informed about any progress related to the charges against Askew and the circumstances surrounding Wilkerson’s death.

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Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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