Teen arraigned on first-degree murder charge in deadly Roanoke shooting of William Fleming student (2024)

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE

We’ve now learned that a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed by another teen Wednesday near the Ferncliff Apartments in Roanoke was a student at William Fleming High School.

According to his family, the victim is identified as 15-year-old Isaac Ikier Cunningham.

The charges against the teen charged in the incident have also been updated.

According to Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Don Caldwell, the teenage boy was arraigned Thursday afternoon on the following charges:

• First-degree murder

• Use of a firearm in the commission of a murder

We’re told the Commonwealth has filed a motion to transfer the case to Circuit Court for trial as an adult, if there is a finding of probable cause.

The case is set to be heard in the Roanoke City Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court on June 25, according to Caldwell.

Below is the transcript of a robocall that was sent out to parents and families of Roanoke City Public Schools on Wednesday.

“Good afternoon. This is an important message from Tracey Anderson, Principal of William Fleming High School. As you may have heard, a shooting took place in the community this afternoon near Ferncliff Apartments. I am sad to report that one of our students has passed away. The Roanoke Police Department is investigating.

Our thoughts are with all those who are grieving, and I want to let you know the resources and supports available to you and your family. We have placed information on the Roanoke City Public Schools website that may be helpful should you need to have conversations about grief with your child. These can be accessed by clicking on the button for Parent/Guardian Resources near the top of the homepage next to the orange banner. Mental health services through Hazel Health are available, as well as immediate support through Carilion CONNECT at(540) 981-8181. School counselors and social workers will also be available.

The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority. Because this incident involved a student, as an added precaution, there will be an additional police presence at graduation practice and graduation this week.

Please know we are here to support you and our entire William Fleming High School community. I hope you will join me in respecting the privacy of the family as they grieve and in supporting one another.

Thank you for your support of William Fleming High School.”

Tracey Anderson, Principal of William Fleming High School

UPDATE

Roanoke Police said a teenage boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that left another teenage boy dead Wednesday afternoon.

The boy was charged with the following:

• Second-degree murder

• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

According to authorities, detectives identified the teen as a suspect early on in the investigation. Information indicates that the suspect and victim were known to each other.

We’re told the suspect was taken into custody earlier Wednesday evening, and transported to the Roanoke Police Department to speak with detectives.

Detectives obtained petitions for both charges, and the teen was transported to the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing, according to police.

ORIGINAL STORY

A teenage boy is dead after a shooting in Roanoke Wednesday afternoon, according to the Roanoke Police Department.

Police said at around 1:05 p.m., RPD was notified of a person with a gunshot wound in the 3500 block of Ferncliff Avenue NW.

We’re told responding officers located a boy with what appeared to be serious gunshot wounds. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported him to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.

A short time later, he died, according to authorities.

RPD said details about what led up to the shooting are limited.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police said no suspects were located on the scene, and no arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text 274637; please begin the text “RoanokePD” to ensure it is properly routed. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.