Two Men in Hampton Carjacked by Kenneth Maddox Jr.: One Victim Escapes, Other Shoots in Self-Defense

Accident – Death – Obituary News : HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — In a shocking turn of events, two separate carjackings occurred in Hampton on Saturday morning, both executed by the same suspect. The incidents have left the victims traumatized and shaken.

The first incident took place just before 3:30 a.m. outside Los Compadres Restaurant on Commander Shepard Blvd. A local DJ, who had just finished a job, was in the process of loading his car when an unidentified man approached him, brandishing a firearm and pressing it against his neck. The DJ, who preferred to remain anonymous, had his son translate his conversation with reporters as he is a native Spanish speaker.

According to the DJ, the assailant, later identified as 22-year-old Kenneth Maddox Jr., demanded his phone and proceeded to take his laptop and tablet as well. He then forcefully removed the DJ from his vehicle while still holding the gun to his neck. The DJ, fearing for the safety of his family, slowly retreated from Maddox.

“I was thinking about my family, my babies, my wife,” the DJ expressed through his son’s translation. In a desperate attempt to escape, the DJ rushed back into the restaurant while Maddox struggled to release the car’s emergency brake. Eventually, Maddox managed to flee the scene with the stolen vehicle.

Approximately 90 minutes later, at around 5 a.m., Maddox struck again. This time, the victim was David Murphy, a Lyft driver who had pulled up to Hampton Woods Apartments on Marcella Road. Maddox approached Murphy’s car and requested to use his phone. Sensing something was amiss, Murphy offered to dial a number for Maddox instead of handing over his phone.

“I dialed a number for him and before I knew it, I had a gun pointed at my head,” Murphy recounted during a phone interview with 10 On Your Side. “He demanded me to get out of the vehicle.” Murphy complied, raising his hands in surrender as Maddox forcefully pulled him out of the car. However, in a brave and swift move, Murphy reached for his personal firearm and fired at Maddox.

The situation quickly escalated into a struggle, causing Murphy to lose possession of his gun. Maddox attempted to shoot Murphy in the chest, but due to an unfortunate twist of fate, the magazine had fallen out. In a desperate plea for his life, Murphy emphasized that he had young children, including an infant, who depended on him. Despite his pleas, Maddox, accompanied by an accomplice, proceeded to steal Murphy’s car. The police eventually discovered the vehicle on North Armistead Avenue, severely damaged.

For Murphy, who relied on his Lyft earnings as his primary source of income, the loss of his car has put him in a dire financial situation. In an effort to alleviate the financial burden, he has set up a GoFundMe page to seek assistance from the community.

“My family and I are going through a really emotional time right now,” Murphy expressed, clearly affected by the traumatic experience.

Kenneth Maddox Jr. has been charged with two counts of carjacking and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. His identification became apparent after he sought medical treatment for a gunshot wound. Surveillance footage near the carjacking incidents also matched his attire. As of the latest update, Maddox remains hospitalized.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise in our daily lives. The victims, still grappling with the emotional aftermath, highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious in our surroundings. The Hampton community stands united in support of the victims, rallying together to help them recover from this traumatic ordeal..