Clifton Brooks

Clifton Pernell Brooks Jr., a devoted family man and community volunteer known to friends and loved ones as “Jay,” was a skilled carpenter and licensed electrician who found his true passion in helping children. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on April 27, 1972, the 35-year-old Black/African American man was a dedicated volunteer coach for a local youth recreational league in Norfolk. He was remembered for his deep love for his family and his commitment to his faith, having accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in 1996. He was a beloved husband to his wife, Oneica, and a loving father to their three daughters, Oshai, Olivia, and Oni.

The late afternoon of Thursday, December 6, 2007, brought sudden and irreversible tragedy to the Brooks family. Just before 4 p.m., in the 1300 block of East Tanners Creek Drive, near the intersection of Chesapeake Boulevard and Johnstons Road, shots rang out. Clifton was struck by gunfire in an attack that shattered the daylight quiet of the Norfolk neighborhood. First responders arrived at the scene and quickly transported him to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Norfolk Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the shooting death of the man who lived in the 6900 block of Bonnot Drive. Detectives canvassed the area for evidence and sought to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the events leading up to the fatal shooting. In the immediate aftermath, police publicly identified Clifton as the victim and appealed to the community for assistance in solving the crime.

As the investigation continued, authorities urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward. The Norfolk Crime Line was publicized as a confidential channel for tips, with police hoping a crucial piece of information could help them identify who was responsible for Clifton's death. To date, however, the case has grown cold. There have been no public announcements regarding suspects, arrests, or the motive behind the shooting that took a husband and father from his family.

In the days following his murder, Clifton's family gathered to mourn their profound loss. A funeral service was held at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where friends and relatives assembled to pay their respects and remember a man dedicated to his family and community. He was laid to rest at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake. The service was a testament to the many lives he had touched through his work, his coaching, and his friendship.

More than a decade later, the murder of Clifton Pernell "Jay" Brooks Jr. remains unsolved. His family continues to wait for answers and for justice to be served. The case is a painful reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence on a family and a community. The Norfolk Police Department continues to seek information that could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation. Anyone with knowledge of the shooting is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.