The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, October 15, 1995               TAG: 9510150043
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY MIKE MATHER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH                         LENGTH: Short :   36 lines

GUNSHOT IS HEARD, WOMAN IS FOUND DEAD IN PORTSMOUTH

Police investigating reports of gunfire early Friday found a 32-year-old woman dead near the intersection of Freedom Avenue and Spectator Street, investigators said.

Police spokeswoman Amber Whittaker said detectives are investigating the death as a homicide. Whittaker said the apparent cause of death was a gunshot wound, although an autopsy would be needed to confirm that.

Whittaker identified the victim as Jeanette Q. Lee. Whittaker said Lee's address wasn't immediately known, but the victim was believed to have lived in the area.

Police were dispatched to the area around the intersection of Freedom Avenue and Spectator Street, about three blocks from Cavalier Manor Elementary School, because someone reported hearing at least one gunshot.

When police arrived, they found Lee lying in the street, where she was pronounced dead.

Several neighbors reported hearing a single shot, but said it didn't seem to come from the area where Lee was found. One area resident said he thought the wounded woman was running from her attacker to summon help and finally collapsed on the side of the street.

Whittaker said police have no suspects.

Neighbors said the number of rowdy late-night visitors and gunshots has increased in the area in the past year.

KEYWORDS: MURDER SHOOTING by CNB