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Norfolk State Student Charged in Freshman's Stabbing Death

By Jaedda Armstrong and Jennifer Jiggetts
Black College Wire

A Norfolk State University student has been charged with murder and malicious wounding after a freshman was killed and another man wounded on the Virginia campus.

Facebook.com Sean D. Williams, a freshman, was a music major and a tenor in Norfolk State's concert choir.

Terrance Allen Ross, 18, was in custody at the Norfolk, Va., city jail.

He was accused of stabbing and killing Sean D. Williams, a Norfolk State freshman, and wounding Sherrod Allen on March 31.

Williams, 18, died that night.

Allen, 20, was admitted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He said he had a hole in his stomach.

"We were fighting over a bad money transaction," Allen told the campus newspaper, the Spartan Echo, his voice weak and low. He declined to elaborate on the transaction.

He said Williams, his friend, saved his life. "I feel bad because he was so close," Allen said. "I’d already been stabbed, that’s when he jumped in."

At around 7 p.m., Allen and Williams were both beat up by about five people, Allen said. When Allen was stabbed, Williams stepped in to defend him.

"I never thought I’d have to watch my own friend die in front of my face," said Allen, who went to high school in Portsmouth, Va., but did not go on to college.

Norfolk State University Police Chief Carl Burt said authorities received a call at about 7:28 p.m. on March 31.

They found the body of a man lying on the Park Avenue side of Babbette Smith Hall, or the Twin Towers dormitory. Norfolk police were notified, he said.

Many students initially said they believed Williams was the target of a hate crime.

"I am a young, black, Homosexual MAN with a lot going for myself," Williams wrote on his Facebook page. "Just because I am a homosexual male does not mean I am a faggot. A faggot is not what you are, it's how you act, and I can say that I carry myself in a respectable manner."

However, Sgt. Ollan Burruss of the Norfolk Police Department said, "This is not a hate crime against a homosexual. It is not a crime of opportunity," such as robbery. "They were acquainted, so it's not a hate crime." Burruss said the police department had not released a motive because investigators were still interviewing witnesses.

Norfolk Police Terrance Allen Ross was charged with murder and malicious wounding

Williams was a music major with a concentration in voice and minor in piano. He also was a tenor in Norfolk State's concert choir.

His Facebook page was filled with condolences and testimonials from close friends and even strangers.

One wrote: "I am really at a [loss] for words . . . I will miss you so much. Your time here was too short, but I will keep the memories. Thanks for being a true friend, even when we had our differences. Love ya man!"

Another wrote: "R.I.P Sean, I will miss you and will always remember you . . . . this is so sudden and I can't believe it. I just saw you Friday before I left [. . . ] know you are up there looking down already and seeing how much love and support you have, Love you Sean!"

Those who knew Williams said he was a fun-loving guy who spoke even if he did not know the person.

Jamilah Coleman, a freshman accounting major at Norfolk State, attended Denbigh High School in Newport News, Va., with Williams, and met him when both were in the school choir. Williams was assistant choir director.

"He was a wonderful person," said Coleman. "He always wore these big sunglasses, silky shirts and a big smile. He was always extra fly."

“He was a nice person and he didn't attract a lot of attention to himself."

Allen agreed, saying he had known Williams for the past two years. He’s always been a real, true friend, he said.

Coleman said despite the on-campus death, she still feels safe in her Rosa Alexander dorm room.

"This can happen anywhere," Coleman said. "You can't be afraid to venture in the world."

But Keneisha Johnson, a freshman mass communication major who knew Williams, said she does not feel safe.

Sherrod Allen said, "I never thought I'd have to watch my own friend die in front of my face."

“Our campus is too open, students from Booker T. Washington High School can just walk up on our campus and the police will never know,” Johnson said.

Counselors were to be available to meet with students, and Faith Fitzgerald, director of residential life and housing, said there would be a vigil at 6:30 p.m. on April 4 in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center.

University officials released a statement expressing grief. "The Norfolk State University family is saddened by the loss of Sean Williams, a freshman student full of promise," it said. "A member of our University's Gospel Choir, Sean's talent and presence will be missed. To Sean's family and friends, we extend our condolences and offer our prayers for comfort."

It continued, "Our Campus Police and the Norfolk Police Department are working together to assure the safety on our campus. Please know that the University's commitment to your safety remains strong."

Allen, who is unemployed and lives in Portsmouth, said he blames Williams’ death on himself.

"His mom said it’s not my fault," Allen said. "But if I’d got him and left, none of this would’ve ever happened."

Allen was released April 3. He had said hospital officials were trying to release him, but he wanted to stay a little longer.

"I’m recovering slowly; everything takes time," he said. "I have a hole on the right side of my stomach. I can’t even really talk."

He said he replays what happened as he recuperates.

"I didn’t expect any of that to happen," he said. "I was supposed to pick him up and we were supposed to leave."

Jaedda Armstrong and Jennifer Jiggetts, students at Norfolk State University, write for the Spartan Echo. To comment, e-mail [email protected]

Posted April 2, 2007; updated April 3, 2007.