The quiet of a Wednesday night in Virginia Beach was shattered by a senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a young woman, Imina Parissh. Around 10 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire on Harbinger Road, a residential street in the city’s Kempsville area. There, they discovered Parissh, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with an unimaginable loss. The tragedy, which unfolded on April 30, 2025, has sparked fear and urgency as the suspect remains at large, prompting authorities to intensify their search and call on the public for help.
The incident began when Virginia Beach police received a 911 call reporting shots fired. Officers arrived swiftly, but the suspected shooter had already fled, leaving behind a scene of chaos and grief. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, though they have not released details about the relationship, if any, between Parissh and the suspect. The suspect’s escape triggered a high-speed pursuit that crossed city lines, with police chasing a vehicle believed to be driven by the perpetrator. The chase ended in a dramatic crash in Portsmouth, approximately 20 miles from the shooting site, when the suspect’s vehicle collided with another car near the intersection of Frederick Boulevard and South Street. The suspect, however, managed to evade capture, abandoning the wrecked vehicle and disappearing into the night.
As the manhunt unfolded, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the Portsmouth area, urging them to lock their doors and remain vigilant. The order, which was lifted around 1 a.m. on May 1, 2025, underscored the gravity of the situation and the potential danger posed by the fugitive. Virginia Beach police, in collaboration with the Virginia State Police and Portsmouth authorities, conducted an extensive search, deploying K-9 units and helicopters to scour the area. Despite their efforts, the suspect remains at large, and police have not publicly identified the individual, citing the ongoing investigation.
Imina Parissh, described by those who knew her as a vibrant and kind-hearted young woman, was only in her early twenties. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their heartbreak, sharing memories of her infectious smile and generous spirit. A makeshift memorial has begun to form near the site of the shooting, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes piling up as the community mourns her loss. Local leaders, including Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, have expressed condolences, calling the incident a stark reminder of the need to address gun violence in the region.
The investigation is now a top priority for the Virginia Beach Police Department, which has assigned its homicide unit to the case. Detectives are combing through evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes, in hopes of identifying the suspect. They are also interviewing witnesses who may have seen or heard something in the moments leading up to the shooting. Authorities have issued a public plea for information, urging anyone with details about the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department or Crime Solvers anonymously. A reward may be offered for tips leading to an arrest, though specifics have not been confirmed.
This tragedy comes at a time when Virginia Beach is still reeling from other recent acts of violence, including the fatal shooting of two police officers in February 2025. The city, known for its coastal charm and tight-knit communities, is grappling with questions about public safety and the proliferation of firearms. Community activists have called for increased investment in violence prevention programs, while residents are left wondering how such a brazen crime could occur in their neighborhood.
As the search for the suspect continues, the focus remains on delivering justice for Imina Parissh and her loved ones. Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned, and the community is rallying to support her family through fundraisers and vigils. For now, Virginia Beach holds its breath, hoping for answers and an end to the uncertainty that lingers in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, as even the smallest detail could prove critical in bringing the suspect to justice.