Clifton Robert Baxter, 73, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Virginia Beach home on March 25, 2022. A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran known as Shine, Baxter worked for more than two decades as a Service Technician Supervisor at Cox Cable and was described as a respected member of his community.

Investigators rapidly linked Baxter’s death to a multi-day killing spree in the Hampton Roads area. Their inquiry focused on Cola W. Beale IV, a man Baxter reportedly helped raise and considered a father figure to. Authorities said Beale was sought in connection with multiple shootings that began March 22, 2022, and a manhunt with U.S. Marshals and a reward was launched. Reports state the alleged motive for Baxter’s killing was that Baxter refused to give money to Beale.