Commonwealth v. Jamieson Josiah Lee Francis; Man Convicted of Murder after Shooting Victim 6 Times in the Back

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Jamieson Josiah Lee Francis, age 24, formerly of the 4600 block of Ramblewood Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm after a four-day jury trial.  Circuit Court Judge Salvatore R. Iaquinto, who presided over the trial, will sentence Francis on November 3, 2025.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on June 15, 2023, Francis and the 20-year-old victim, Lonnie “L.J.” Harvey Jr., were at a family graduation party at a home in Virginia Beach.  Just after 11 p.m., Francis and Harvey were last seen talking outside when witnesses in the party heard gunshots in the street.  Partygoers walked outside and found Harvey suffering multiple gunshot wounds.  Francis had fled the scene, leaving behind a firearm which was traced back to him. Despite lifesaving efforts, Harvey succumbed to his injuries which included six (6) gunshot wounds to the back.  Investigators determined a total of fifteen (15) shots were fired by the defendant. 

Francis hid in the neighborhood, and within 48 hours, took a one-way flight to Florida, where he was arrested about a week later by U.S. Marshals.  Francis initially did not speak about the murder to police, but later claimed the shooting was in self-defense. 

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Wendy Alexander and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David R. Talmage prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.