Fatal Crash on Shore Drive Leads to Voluntary Manslaughter and Reckless Speeding Charges

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, October 17, 2023 – On September 29, 2023, at 4:14 PM, officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) responded to a crash involving three vehicles traveling westbound in the 1200 block of Shore Drive.

The preliminary crash investigation showed one vehicle, operated by Ricardo Beckles (M/23) of Portsmouth, struck two vehicles while attempting to pass in the left lane. Beckles’ vehicle first struck a vehicle being operated by Ayana Paul (F/24) of Norfolk, and then the rear of a third vehicle. The impact caused Paul’s vehicle to veer off the road and hit a tree. Beckles veered off the road, coming to a final rest on the left shoulder. The third driver was able to pull over and come to a stop on the right shoulder. Paul was pronounced deceased on scene by VBFD personnel at 4:34 PM. Beckles and the third driver were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

On October 12, 2023, charges were approved, and Beckles was subsequently arrested for Voluntary Manslaughter and Reckless Speeding.

Note: This news release is for informational purposes only and should not be considered an admission of guilt by the defendant. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.