NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk residents and members of the city’s creative community are mourning the death of 31-year-old Tony Camarillo, who was shot Wednesday night while heading to the Naro Theater in Ghent for the premiere of his short film.
Community shaken as police investigate
Camrillo and his partner were co-producers of a short titled "Gallery of Nightmares," entered in the Hampton Roads 48 Hour Film Project. According to the project’s local producer, Jeannette Rainey, the couple was on their way to the theater for the screening when the shooting occurred on Colley Avenue in the Ghent neighborhood.
Camrillo, described by friends and colleagues as an entrepreneur, musician and filmmaker, was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries, Norfolk police said. Detectives have identified 30-year-old Skyler R. Brock of Seaford as wanted in connection with the case.
"Tony was a bright light of a person. He had been with our film community just for a year, but made just the hugest impact. It's a huge loss in this network of storytellers,"
Rainey said the film community was both saddened and shaken by the loss. Friends remembered Camrillo as a devoted father of three and an active presence in Hampton Roads' filmmaking and music circles.
Those who knew him recall his impact
Zachary Hines II, a longtime friend, said Camrillo took particular pride in fatherhood and in building connections within the local arts scene. "Tony was somebody who loved everybody," Hines said. He urged others to show support for Camrillo’s family and children during a time of grief.
- Victim: Tony Camrillo, 31
- Incident location: Colley Avenue, Ghent; en route to Naro Theater
- Project: "Gallery of Nightmares" — Hampton Roads 48 Hour Film Project entry
- Suspect: Skyler R. Brock, 30, of Seaford (wanted)
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances of the shooting, a possible motive, or whether anyone else was injured. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance as they continue their work.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Tony Camrillo, 31 |
| Event | Shot on way to film premiere at Naro Theater |
| Film | "Gallery of Nightmares" — Hampton Roads 48 Hour Film Project |
| Suspect | Skyler R. Brock, 30, of Seaford — wanted by Norfolk Police |
Local implications and next steps
The shooting has reverberated through Norfolk’s arts community, which relies heavily on volunteer collaboration and small, in-person events like the 48 Hour Film Project screenings to foster local talent. Organizers and peers said the loss is felt both personally and professionally, as Camrillo had become an active participant in the region’s storytelling networks over the past year.
Norfolk police investigators have not yet announced charges in the case. The department is expected to provide further updates as detectives follow leads. Community members who may have information about the shooting or the whereabouts of the individual identified as wanted are encouraged to contact Norfolk Police.
In the coming days, local film organizers are weighing how to proceed with scheduled events while honoring Camrillo’s work and memory. Colleagues said they plan to gather to support his family and to remember his contributions to the local creative scene.
The loss places renewed focus on public safety in Ghent, a busy neighborhood that draws residents and visitors to its restaurants, shops and cultural venues. City officials and neighborhood stakeholders often point to the importance of coordinated efforts between police, community groups and businesses to prevent violence and maintain safe public spaces.
As the investigation continues, the city’s filmmaking community and those who knew Camrillo are asking neighbors to look out for his family and to offer support where they can.
