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Police investigated an alleged shooting incident in the area of Dorchester Square Apartments early Wednesday morning, Aug. 23, that resulted in the death of a Franklin man.

The Franklin Police Department stated in an Aug. 23 morning news release that at around 3:28 a.m., the City of Franklin Emergency Communications Center received a call regarding a suspicious person knocking on a door at 1698 Dorchester St. in Franklin. 

Police said that while checking the area, the first arriving units discovered an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the area of “K” building. 

The release stated that Franklin Fire and Rescue was summoned to the scene and transported the adult male to Bon Secours – Southampton Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. 

The victim has been identified as Joseph Foster Jr., 28, of Franklin, police said. The next of kin has been notified.

During the investigation at 1698 Dorchester St., it was learned that the alleged initial shooting incident occurred in the area of “A” building, the release noted, adding that Franklin police personnel were able to determine the location of the alleged shooting incident and quickly obtained a suspect description. 

The release stated that FPD personnel responded to the 100 block of Morton Street where they were able to take the suspect into custody without incident.

As a result of this incident and subsequent investigations, Este-von Lashawn Holland has been charged with felony homicide, reckless handling of a firearm, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to an Aug. 23 afternoon update to the release. 

The update noted that Holland was transported to the Western Tidewater Regional Jail where he is being held without bond.

The FPD thanked the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, the Southampton County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the Virginia State Police for their assistance with this investigation.  

If anyone has information about this incident or other criminal activity within the city of Franklin, they are asked to call Franklin Police at 757-562-8575, Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-516-7100, or contact the FPD online at p3tips.com. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.