Sa’Quan Tyreese Ward, 19, has been found guilty of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in connection with the April 2024 killing of Kalani Matthaeus Bailey-Cortez. The verdict was delivered after a five-day jury trial in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2026, before Judge Salvatore Iaquinto.
According to evidence presented by the Commonwealth, on April 5, 2024, Bailey-Cortez and the mother of his child left a party separately. The mother contacted Ward to pick her up. After dropping off a friend at home, Bailey-Cortez was approached by an SUV driven by Ward while parked outside. Ward exited the vehicle and fired five shots at Bailey-Cortez as he tried to drive away. Bailey-Cortez died at the scene.
Police investigating the incident used doorbell camera footage that captured the shooting. Officers also recovered a cell phone belonging to Ward at the scene. Forensic analysis revealed images and videos on Ward’s phone showing him with a firearm matching that used in the homicide. Cell phone location data further confirmed Ward’s movements on the night of the incident.
Ward was 17 years old when the crime occurred but was tried as an adult due to its severity.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys David R. Talmage and Charles D. Agerter prosecuted the case. “Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired,” stated Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach.
