Arrests made in death of Suffolk man

Published 10:32 pm Tuesday, March 6, 2018

The Norfolk Police Department has arrested two people and is seeking a third person in connection with the murder of a Suffolk man last week.

Jeremy Harris, 25, of the 800 block of Pine Harbor Drive, and Becca Banta, 24, of Isle of Wight, have been charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and conspiracy in the Thursday death of 25-year-old Patrick M. Cochrane, according to a Norfolk press release.

Banta has also been charged with accessory to murder. Both are being held in the Norfolk City Jail without bond.

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Police also are seeking Thomas Nesmith, 24, of the 7900 block of Orchid Avenue, on charges of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and conspiracy.

According to a city press release, Cochrane was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside a car just after 9:30 p.m. in the 700 block of East Little Creek Road when Norfolk Police Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash.

Cochrane was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he later died.

Investigation revealed that Cochrane was initially shot in the 7900 block of Orchid Avenue, the press release stated.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app. Callers to Crime Line never have to give their names or appear in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.