Richmond homicide count rises to 18, 3 killed over the last week and a half
on November 30, 2012
Over the last week and a half Richmond has seen a spike in homicides, adding three more killings to a relatively quiet year.
Andre Cross, 34, of Fairfield stepped outside of a home on the 2800 block of McBryde Ave. around 10:30 p.m. to make a phone call and was shot multiple times by someone waiting outside, said Richmond police spokeswoman Lieutenant Bisa French.
“It was not random,” said French. “We believe he was an intended target. There was a vehicle seen leaving the area, but no description of it.”
Last week, two men were shot to death within 48 hours on the 500 block of 5th Street in the Iron Triangle.
On Tuesday, November 20, Lavelle Wallace, 37, was slayed around 10:30 p.m. “He was standing on the block when someone came up and shot him,” French said. “He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Two days later, on Thanksgiving, Richmond police were alerted to another shooting when the city’s shot-spotter recorded multiple shots in the same area.
Armon Brown Jr., 22, was found on the street and was also pronounced dead on the scene. French said he was found with some narcotics on him.
“We are investigating whether or the two shootings are related,” French said. “We believe that somehow they are. They both appear to be intentional shootings. It doesn’t seem to be what we saw before between north and central,” she said. “It seems to be an internal feud between people on the block there.”
All three homicide investigations are ongoing, and no suspects have been arrested.
Tonight, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is hosting a memorial for this year’s victims in the Whittlesey Room at the Richmond Public Library (325 Civic Center Plaza) from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
According to a press release from McLaughlin’s office, the McLaughlin is “grateful for the reduction” in homicides and attributes the decrease from years past to the “collaborative work of the City with numerous community organizations and neighborhood groups.”
Wednesday night marked the 18th homicide for the city, there were 26 recorded last year.
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I was born and raised in Richmond and about 6 years ago I too lost my brother to senseless shooting but in my opinion I think A program should be put in place for youth starting 17 thru 25 with and allowance every two weeks only if the can agree to be tested person , because the r systems must remain clean so they can be evoulved back into society this is for males and females,felons especially and the way that I see this getting to to young people is sending out scouts to sign them up! Well I’ve giving you all my Idea I have wanted to impliment there for year in my brothers name but had some set backs, but feel free to contact me maybe we can work together!!!