Commonwealth v. Aarion Lenardo Hopkins; Jury Finds Man Guilty in Fatal Robbery Plot

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Aarion Lenardo Hopkins, age 19, formerly of the 2000 block of Linster Street in Chesapeake, Virginia, was found guilty by a jury on charges of First Degree Felony Murder, Attempted Robbery, Conspiracy, and two (2) counts of Use of a Firearm.  Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis, who presided over the four-day trial, will sentence Hopkins on May 4, 2026.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on September 30, 2024, Aarion Hopkins and his co-defendant, Javon Pollard, met Keyshawn Woodhouse at a residence on Fox Creek Court in Virginia Beach.  The interaction was recorded on doorbell camera footage with video and audio.  They discussed the price of Percocet pills Hopkins and Pollard were to buy from Woodhouse.  During the negotiations Pollard mouthed silent communications to Hopkins.  Hopkins then took a step to the side and crouched down, as Pollard drew a gun on Woodhouse.  Pollard told Woodhouse to give him the pills and grabbed towards Woodhouse’s waistline.  As Woodhouse attempted to retreat into the house, Pollard fired four shots at close range.  Pollard then fled in a burgundy sedan as Woodhouse collapsed into the home.  Hopkins followed Woodhouse into the home. 

Neighbors on Fox Creek Court called 911 to report the shooting.  First responders found Woodhouse suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest and arm.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

As Pollard fled the scene, he crashed the sedan into another driver head-on and continued to flee.  The other driver sustained injuries from the collision.  Virginia Beach Police received a tip from Portsmouth Police which led them to Pollard’s residence.  Police saw the sedan with front end damage in Pollard’s backyard.

Cell phone records between Hopkins and Pollard revealed text messages between the two on the date of the homicide.  In their conversation, Hopkins told Pollard he had several “jugs” lined up for them that day.  They planned to pretend to do drug deals then rob the “jugs.”  The messages revealed they hoped to get a gun from one of their intended victims.

Javon Pollard pled guilty to charges of First Degree Murder, Attempted Robbery, Conspiracy, two (2) counts of Use of a Firearm, and Hit and Run – Personal Injury.  His sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Brandon C. Emery and Courtney E. Lewis prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.