Man charged with second-degree murder in Cookout shooting claims self-defense

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Charged with second-degree murder after a double shooting at a Norfolk Cookout last month, Michael Parker said from behind bars that he fired in self-defense.

“How do I go from just being a regular person and now I’m being charged with second-degree murder,” Parker said as he sat in chains Wednesday.

He walked 10 On Your Side through the events of June 24, saying after midnight, he and his girlfriend went to cookout for some food.

“I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, Cajun fries with a honey mustard chicken wrap and a sweet tea,” he said.

But he said they then noticed a man, later identified as 25-year-old Jason Allred, standing in the drive-thru walking towards the car.

“We kind of drive past him as he was walking in our direction,” Parker said.

But Parker told 10 On Your Side Allred came back.

“I guess either he hit the window or he started toying with the doorknobs to the car,” Parker said. “And that’s when I got out to investigate to figure out what was going on.”

Then, the situation escalated.

“When he hit me the first time, that’s when I kind of like you know — trying to protect myself. You get what I’m saying? And then he began trying to, he actually was grabbing for the firearm,” Parker said.

Parker said what happened next was a blur too quick for him to remember.

Allred died on scene from a life-threatening gunshot wound, while a second victim was grazed by the bullet.

Parker told 10 On Your Side the situation has weighed heavily on himself and his family.

“I talked to my son the other day,” Parker said. “He said, ‘Dad when are you coming to get us? You said you were coming to get us.’ What am I going to do? Is anybody going to ask that?”

He said he’s just sorry for everything that happened that day.

“I don’t know if he has family out here or if they’re elsewhere,” Parker said, “but I hope they’re OK mentally. I just wish we never got here.”

His next court date is scheduled for July 10.

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