Commonwealth v. Markal Dashown Cook; Man Found Guilty of Murdering Teen at Mount Trashmore Carnival

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Markal Dashown Cook, age 21, of the 1300 block of Links Court in Chesapeake, Virginia, was found guilty by a jury on charges of Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm.  Circuit Court Judge Tanya Felton, who presided over the three-day jury trial, will sentence Cook on November 2, 2026.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on May 25, 2024, 15-year-old Jeyani Upshur went to a carnival at Mount Trashmore in the City of Virginia Beach with friends and family.  Markal Cook also went to the carnival that evening. A large group of males approached Upshur and Cook’s group and a physical fight broke out in a parking lot.  Cook fired at least two shots into the group, striking Upshur in the neck.  As Upshur fell to the ground, the large crowd began to scatter and run in all directions.  Cook fled from the scene, leaving a shoe and a firearm in his path.  Cook was also shot during the melee and dropped to the ground a short distance away from the scene. 

Police and rescue personnel quickly responded to the scene.  Upshur was pronounced deceased at the scene. Cook was transported to the hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the upper back.  Cook provided several inconsistent statements throughout the investigation.  Detectives found a text message on his phone which stated that Cook shot because people in the altercation were going to shoot his brother.  Although witnesses reported hearing as many as five gunshots, only one shell casing was found at the scene.   

Cook has prior misdemeanor convictions for Concealed Weapon (2 counts).

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Charles D. Agerter and David R. Talmage prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.

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