Commonwealth v. Trayvon Anthony McCoy; Felon Sentenced to Life without Parole plus 43 Years for Killing Two Men outside of Club

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Trayvon Anthony McCoy, age 28, previously of the 1100 block of Rugby Street in Norfolk, Virginia, was sentenced for charges of Aggravated Murder, First Degree Murder, and two counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony.  A jury found McCoy guilty of these charges on September 28, 2023.  Circuit Court Judge Afshin Farashahi, who presided over the jury trial, today imposed a sentence of life without parole plus 43 years in prison.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on October 28, 2021, Trayvon McCoy was at the Allure nightclub on Newtown Road in Virginia Beach. The victims, cousins William Moore and Joseph Moore, and each of their brothers were also at Allure.  William and Joseph exited the club at approximately 11:00 p.m. and were having a conversation with their brothers in the parking lot.  McCoy exited the club a couple minutes later, walked to his car, and retrieved a rifle from the driver’s side door.  As the victims attempted to walk back to their own cars, McCoy called out to William Moore.  McCoy had a prior conflict with William Moore.  Surveillance footage from the club showed McCoy and William approach each other while McCoy held the rifle at his side.  Joseph was nearby, behind William.  After a brief conversation between McCoy and William, surveillance showed McCoy raise his rifle and shoot William in the chest at close range.  As Joseph attempted to run away, McCoy again raised his rifle and shot Joseph in the center of his back.  McCoy fled in his vehicle.  William and Joseph died at the scene as bystanders attempted to give aid.

Police were able to identify McCoy as the suspect from surveillance video and interviewing witnesses at the scene.  When interviewed by detectives, McCoy admitted to shooting both victims.  He claimed he acted in self-defense although admitted he saw no weapons on either victim. 

McCoy has prior convictions for Possession of Schedule I/II Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of Schedule I/II Controlled Substance, Falsifying a Firearm Consent Form, Petit Larceny (2 counts), and Disorderly Conduct.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon C. Emery and then Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin M. Brewster prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.