Authorities in Roanoke, Virginia, have charged 33‑year‑old Marquis Wiley with second‑degree murder following a deadly shooting in a gas station parking lot on Shenandoah Avenue NW. The incident occurred late Friday night, November 8, 2025, leaving Trayvon Crowder, 27, fatally wounded.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 2500 block of Shenandoah Avenue NW just after 10 p.m. When they arrived, they found Crowder in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
According to the Roanoke Police Department, the shooting appears to have followed an argument between Wiley and Crowder in the parking lot area. Witnesses told investigators that tensions quickly escalated before shots were fired.
Detectives identified Wiley as a suspect and located him within hours of the incident. He was arrested without further incident and charged with second‑degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Wiley is currently being held without bond at the Roanoke City Jail.
Police have not yet released additional information about what may have sparked the argument, but they have confirmed that the victim and suspect were acquainted.
Neighbors say the area near Shenandoah Avenue has seen an increase in violent crime, leaving many frustrated and fearful. “We’re tired of hearing gunshots,” said one nearby resident who asked not to be identified. “Every time it happens, we lose another young life.”
Community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to curb gun violence through mentorship programs, mental‑health outreach, and better conflict‑resolution resources. “Trayvon was a son, a friend, a part of this community,” said local pastor Rev. Derrick Lewis. “We need to stop normalizing tragedy.”
Police officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the shooting was an isolated incident.
When shootings occur in public spaces such as gas stations or parking lots, victims’ families may have grounds to pursue a civil claim in addition to the criminal case. Gas station owners, property managers, and security contractors can sometimes be held liable if negligent security contributed to the tragedy—for example, by failing to maintain adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, or on‑site security personnel.
Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, represents victims and families across the United States in cases involving wrongful death, negligent security, and gun violence. Led by Michael Haggard, Esq., the firm has a national reputation for holding negligent property owners accountable and securing meaningful compensation for victims.
If your family has lost a loved one to senseless gun violence, our team can help you:
Investigate whether security or property negligence played a role
Work alongside law enforcement while preserving your civil rights
Seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional anguish, and lost financial support
Our consultations are free and confidential, and clients pay nothing unless we recover damages on their behalf.
The death of Trayvon Crowder has once again underscored the toll of gun violence on Virginia communities. Local law enforcement urges witnesses to come forward with any information that may help complete the investigation. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Roanoke Police Department Tip Line at (540) 344‑8500 or through Crime Stoppers of Roanoke Valley.
As investigators continue their work, Crowder’s family and loved ones are left to mourn the devastating loss of a young life. “He was trying to make better choices,” said a family friend. “Now, he’ll never get that chance.”
Through community vigilance, victim advocacy, and experienced legal guidance, families can fight for both accountability and safer neighborhoods.
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