Man to serve 16 years in Norfolk gang beating death

NORFOLK

Melvin Arrington, one of 10 defendants in the beating death of a sailor in East Ocean View in 2007, will spend 16 years in prison, according to the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Arrington was sentenced in Norfolk Circuit Court to 45 years with all but 16 years suspended.

He previously pleaded guilty to malicious wounding, robbery and weapons charges in the July 27, 2007, death of James S. Robertson, 19. Robertson and two friends were attacked by gang members in the 9500 block of 16th Bay St.