Following a 23-day search, Charlottesville police arrested Yuhanna Hafeez, 19, Wednesday afternoon for the shooting death of Charlottesville resident Benjamin Willis, 24.
Police charge that Hafeez had been on the lam ever since he allegedly killed Willis outside a Prospect Avenue apartment complex Aug. 29, where Willis and a group of individuals were gathered that Tuesday afternoon.
Detectives found Hafeez hiding in the attic of his sister's home at 630A Prospect Ave., a block from the shooting. Police thought no one actually lived in the house, but when detectives discovered that the supposedly abandoned home still was receiving gas utility services, they decided to do a "knock and talk."
After about five minutes, a woman police identified as Hafeez's girlfriend came to the door and denied that Hafeez was in the residence.
A fresh handprint on a door in the house led police to check the attic. There they found Hafeez hiding, Det. Wendy Lewis said. He immediately was taken into custody.
Police investigators said they found a .38 caliber handgun in the apartment, the same kind of weapon used to kill Willis. Lewis said she believed other arrests are coming in the case for individuals who were accessories in Hafeez's attempt to avoid detection.
Hafeez has been charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm in commission of a murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Read More
Student Council passes appointment bill, approves new CIOs at final meeting of semester
By Arshiya Pant | 8 hours agoMendoza Gonzalez also said she will be meeting with Kenyon R. Bonner, vice president and chief student affairs officer, to discuss further strategies for the Student Council Endowment Fund.
Professors speak about leading productive dialogue on Israel-Hamas war
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayThe event was hosted by the University’s Task Force on Religious Diversity and Belonging, which is designed to ensure that the University is welcoming to community members from all religions and cultures.
Honor Committee considers formal ban of AI detectors as evidence in trials
By Lexie Stadler | 2 days agoThe Committee also addressed balancing student perspectives with those of Committee representatives during panel discussions.
