Commonwealth v. Jamel Isaiah Thorogood; Man to Serve 25 Years for Killing Ex’s New Boyfriend

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Jamel Isaiah Thorogood, age 34, formerly of the 700 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Virginia Beach, Virginia, pled guilty and was sentenced today for charges of First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Non-Violent Felon within 10 Years.  In accordance with a plea agreement, Circuit Court Judge Afshin Farashahi sentenced Thorogood to fifty (50) years in prison with 25 years suspended, leaving 25 years to serve.

Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proven that on August 17, 2021, Thorogood began calling and texting his ex-girlfriend (who is also the mother of his child), C.R.  He was upset about C.R.’s new relationship with Marquise Alston.  Thorogood began making threats against C.R. and Alston. C.R. and Alston lived in an apartment on Elm Grove Court in Virginia Beach.  C.R. was not home on this night; however, Alston was home along with C.R.’s children, including the child C.R. has with Thorogood.  Shortly before 6:30 p.m., Thorogood entered the residence, walked back to the bedroom found Alston lying in bed.  Thorogood shot Alston five (5) times in the neck and arms, killing him. Thorogood told the children, “Don’t tell anybody,” before fleeing the apartment.  The children went to a neighbor’s apartment and the police were called. Thorogood was arrested in Oxford, North Carolina, a couple days later and was extradited back to Virginia Beach.   

Thorogood has prior convictions for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana More than ½ Ounce but Less than Five (5) Pounds and Concealed Weapon. 

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael D. Defricke and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Andrew Rice prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.