Williamsburg man arrested in connection to fatal shooting of 18-year-old

A 20-year-old Williamsburg man was taken into custody on Monday in connection to the shooting death of an 18-year-old, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (YPSO).

On Aug. 7, York-Poquoson deputies and Virginia State Police officers were called out to the 100 block of Emma Rose Court in the York Terrace neighborhood.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The victim was identified as Caleb Zecharia Cotman.

Cotman grew up in the Williamsburg area and graduated from Lafayette High School earlier this year.

A passionate cook, Cotman was “bubbly, playful, loved to talk and could bring laughter and energy wherever he went,” his obituary states. “His presence was one that could be felt, and his family will forever miss hearing his voice, his jokes and simply having him around.”

An eyewitness told The Triangle the shooting took place during a celebration for a local student who recently graduated from high school and was set to attend football camp. The event was reportedly quiet and controlled until shots rang out, at which time numerous people ran from the house.

The suspect, Jayquone Lee Jones, reportedly fled on foot before police arrived.

Jones was arrested on Aug. 24 at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, where he remains incarcerated. He was charged with murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.