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Kevin Megal Rooks was found not guilty Dec. 6 on all four counts he was charged with in connection with a Nov. 17, 2021, home invasion in Franklin.

Rooks, a Franklin resident, had been facing charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, first use of a firearm in commission of a felony and second use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Franklin Police reported in a Nov. 18, 2021, press release that on Nov. 17 at 7:07 p.m., the Franklin Emergency Communications Center received a call in the 300 block of Forest Pine Road in reference to shots fired. Officers from the Franklin Police Department arrived on scene and found an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Those officers began to provide first aid until Franklin Fire and Rescue could arrive on scene. That victim was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. 

Officers entered a residence identified as the location of the incident and discovered a second victim, deceased from a gunshot wound, the release continued. That victim was identified as 18-year-old Tazman Banks.

In a Dec. 13, 2021, bond hearing in Franklin City General District Court, Rooks’ attorney, Stephen B. Plott, argued Rooks was confronting individuals who had broken into his home in what became a home invasion gone wrong.

The prosecutor, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Caitlin N. Angel, argued that Rooks was not home when the break-in initially occurred but rather was alerted to the intrusion and then came to his home and shot two people. Angel argued the intruders did not pose a threat to Rooks that warranted the manner in which he used the gun.

Plott said there was no witness that would testify to what Angel was saying.

After a mistrial in early 2024, a four-day jury trial took place in Southampton Circuit Court in late 2024, concluding on Friday, Dec. 6, when Rooks was found not guilty on all four counts by unanimous verdict.