Who shot and killed a 16-year-old at a party in Hanover? Family, police beg for answers

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — It’s been nearly two weeks since a 16-year-old was shot and killed at a party in Hanover County, and now, his family is seeking justice.

Ashley Devine, the mother of Matthew Devine, said on April 6, she received a call that no parent should have to.

“I texted Matthew’s phone asking if everyone is okay and at 10:01, I get the call saying ‘Mom, Matthew has been shot,” Devine said. “There’s not a 16-year-old kid out here that doesn’t want to go hang out with their friends, but you don’t expect [them] not to come home.”

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the shooting happened at a party that was attended by a large number of teenagers. Authorities have not released many details, but said there was an altercation before the gunfire erupted.

Devine, a student at Colonial Heights High School, was pronounced dead on the scene.

“The gun violence has to stop. We’re losing kids by the day. He’s the only one that didn’t leave that party alive,” said Jason Carter, Devine’s stepfather. “Just trying to have a good time and hang out and some other person tried to play God and take his life. It’s just not fair.”

Authorities said dozens of interviews have already been conducted, but a suspect has still not been located. As the investigation continues, Matthew’s family is begging anyone with answers to come forward.

“Have a heart and come forward. You have a whole family that is tore to shreds. Help us fix this. Imagine if your child never came home. That phone call that night was the most unimaginable that anyone could get,” Devine and Carter said. “My main focus is justice. Matthew deserves that and he will get that.”

The Hanover County Sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may have been at the party to share any information they may have with investigators. A spokesperson said no detail is too small.

“We understand that many people were present at the event where this incident took place,” said a spokesperson for the office in a release. “To those who were there: your footage, whether it’s audio, video or pictures, can be invaluable to our investigation. We urge anyone who attended the event and captured any form of media to come forward. We encourage parents to engage in open and honest conversations with their children about this incident. It is an opportunity to ascertain whether your child attended the event or witnessed this tragedy.”

As this family searches for justice during this tragedy, they tell 8News they’re remembering the 16-year-old for his warm heart and caring spirit.

“Amazing…giving… caring…kind…huge heart…never met a stranger,” Devine said of her son. “He didn’t care what anyone thought about him. He would go out of his way to make sure no one felt left out. He cared about everybody, so somebody care about him. Please, I’m begging.”

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