Man sentenced to over 3 decades in prison for murder of Colonial Heights mother
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COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WRIC) -- A Colonial Heights man will spend over three decades in prison for the October 2024 murder of a beloved mother, daughter and friend, whom he shot several times in front of their son.
Just after 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, officers with the Colonial Heights Police Department were called to the Concord Avenue Apartments in the 1500 block of Concord Avenue for several reports of shots fired in the area.
When they arrived, they found 32-year-old Brittini Black of Colonial Heights outside of the apartment complex, who had been shot several times in her head and leg. She was taken to a local hospital, where she tragically died nine days later.
Earnest Hakim Vines, III of Colonial Heights -- Black's ex-boyfriend and the father of her son -- was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Prosecutors confirmed that their child, who was 3 years old at the time of Black's murder, was present when his mother was shot.
It was determined that the shooting was an act of domestic violence. The 911 call Black made was played during Vines' court proceedings, and Vines can be heard saying "I'm going to kill her, I swear to God," followed by a loud noise.
8News previously spoke to Black's family, who described her as a vibrant, caring and passionate. Most of all, they said she was a loving and proud mother. We also spoke with one of her lifelong friends, Courtney Mallory, who said Black was a "radiating light."
Vines ultimately pleaded guilty to three charges in connection with Black's death: first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a murder and child endangerment.
On Monday, March 2, Vines was sentenced to 68 years in prison with 32 years suspended -- meaning his actual sentence amounts to 36 years, per online court records. Upon release, he will be placed on indefinite supervision.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also find more resources on the Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) website.
