Virginia Community Demands Answers After Youth Football Coach Is Shot

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A family and Virginia community is seeking answers after a 35-year-old youth football coach was gunned down in broad daylight nearly two months ago.

Deveon Simmons was visiting a friend after leaving a football game on October 9 when he was found shot to death in his car. Police at the time said an unidentified male suspect fled the scene on foot, but so far, no arrests have been made in the case.

"If you know anything, small, big, anything –– just let somebody know," Deveon's youngest brother, Kevin Simmons told WAVY 10 News. "Even if you don't let the police know, just let somebody know."

In addition to being a coach, Deveon Simmons was a father, brother and son. He was also star football player at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach before he went on to coach to the Chesapeake Virginia Tigers.

"He was really tough on me," one of Simmons' players told the news outlet.

"That's how we got more better," another added.

Family and loved ones organized a march to demand answers and justice in the beloved coach's death.

"Think about your family," assistant coach Kevin Lamb said. "Think about what your family would do in this moment, the right thing. The right thing. Speak up, let it be known. If you have any information at all. His family deserves it, these kids deserves it," Lamb said. "We all deserve it. It means a lot."

Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available: 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264

The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001

For more mental health resources, click HERE

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