Sierra Jenkins dead at 25 – Ex-CNN journalist and Virginian-Pilot reporter among 2 killed in Norfolk restaurant shooting
TWO people were killed and three others injured in a shooting outside a Virginia restaurant early Saturday morning.
Journalist Sierra Jenkins, 25, was one of the victims caught in the crossfire just before 2am. She later died from her injuries at a local hospital, authorities say.
The former CNN reporter had been leaving Chicho’s Pizza Backstage, a popular restaurant and bar in the downtown Norfolk area when shots rang out after an argument following the bartender’s last call for drinks.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene, and three others are wounded. One person is suffering life-threatening injuries.
The tragedy comes just days after Sierra celebrated her 25th birthday on March 13.
Sierra worked at Atlanta Magazine and CNN before moving to Hampton Roads, Virginia in 2020.
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The Georgia State graduate wrote for local publication Virginian-Pilot at the time of her death, where she reported on school policies and issues across the region.
“For two years, she’s covered the stories of Hampton Roads with compassion and care,” the Virginian-Pilot said in a tribute Facebook post.
“Sierra was funny, energetic and full of enthusiasm. We are absolutely heartbroken.
Kris Worrell, editor-in-chief of Virginia Media, said that the community is “better because of her reporting.”
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According to The Pilot, Sierra was scheduled to work a breaking news shift on the day she died.
Her editors couldn’t get in touch with her Saturday morning, leading them to discover that she had been among those who died.
‘A NORMAL NIGHT’
Sierra’s father, Maurice Jenkins told The Pilot that Sierra rarely went out, but she had a friend in town who wanted to go to the downtown bar.
The restaurant’s manager Rory Schindel said that the moments before the shots were fired were just those of a “normal night,” estimating about 180 people in the vicinity when the last call was announced.
“There were a lot of people there, as usual, and there was a great atmosphere inside,” Schindel said.
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Police have not announced any suspects or arrests in the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 1 -888-LOCK-U-UP or to submit a tip online.
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