Commonwealth v. Abdiel Quinones Berrios; Judge Imposes 33-Year Sentence for Man who Murdered His Friend

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth's Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Abdiel Quinones Berrios, 38 years old, formerly of the 100 block of Coral Gables Court in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was found guilty of Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm. Circuit Court Judge Tanya Bullock, who presided over the four-day trial, sentenced Berrios to 43 years in prison with ten (10) years suspended, leaving 33 years to serve. This sentence was above the high-end of the Virginia State Sentencing Guidelines recommendation.

The Commonwealth's evidence proved that on June 11, 2021, Berrios and the victim, Emmanuel Angel Miranda Rivera, met up in Norfolk. They made plans to return to Rivera's apartment with a group of their friends to hang out together. When Rivera returned to his apartment and parked his vehicle, Berrios approached and shot him. Rivera exited his vehicle, and Berrios shot him multiple times, then fled on foot.

Several people witnessed the murder. Police responded and located Berrios within minutes using K-9 units to track him. Berrios had on the same clothing described by witnesses to the murder, which was also the same clothing seen on video footage of Berrios and Rivera in Norfolk earlier that day. Police found objects thrown by Berrios, which were bags containing drugs, money, and a firearm.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Scott M. Lang and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Eleanor J. Gaines prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.