WILLIAMSBURG— Omari-Ahmad T. Martin, 18, of Williamsburg, will face a grand jury next week on charges related to the March 29 shooting death of 15-year-old Noah Cheeseman.
During a preliminary hearing Tuesday, a judge found probable cause to move forward charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony.
Martin, the only adult among three suspects arrested in the shooting, appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit marked “VPRJ,” an abbreviation for Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
During the hearing, prosecutors successfully moved to limit attendance to court staff, family, parents of minor witnesses and a small pool of press, citing reports of threats made against witnesses.
Four witnesses took the stand to provide testimony regarding the deadly shooting in the 100 block of Dehaven Court.
Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Maureen F. Kufro argued video footage identified Martin as the individual known as “Scar” and the likely shooter. Defense attorney Cherie Harris countered by challenging the identification, arguing camera footage presented as evidence was too blurry to conclusively identify the shooter and that there was no direct evidence linking “Scar” to the shooting.
The judge determined, however, that there was sufficient evidence to support the charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony.
The case is scheduled to appear before a grand jury on July 15 at 9 a.m. to consider indictments. Martin remains held without bond at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
The fatal shooting, which also led to charges against a 17-year-old from York County and a 16-year-old from James City County, allegedly stemmed from an earlier altercation. Both juveniles are currently being held at the Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center.
WYDaily reporter Jillian Appel contributed to this report.
