Two people were killed and seven others were wounded after gunfire erupted in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom entertainment district around 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 21. The deceased were identified as Dominic Antoine Jackson, 42, and Genesis Tamar Jones, 23; nine people in total were shot. Police say at least two shooters were involved and have towed six vehicles as part of the investigation. Authorities are urging witnesses to contact detective J. DeBoard or Crime Stoppers with tips.
Richmond Nightclub District Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 7 Wounded; Police Seek Witnesses
Police vehicle (stock image)Getty Images/iStockphoto
Two people were killed and seven others were injured after gunfire erupted in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom entertainment district early Saturday morning, Feb. 21, police said. The incident unfolded at about 2:45 a.m. local time after a confrontation escalated into gunfire.
Victims and Scene
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards identified the victims who died at the scene as 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson and 23-year-old Genesis Tamar Jones. Police said both sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
What Happened
According to authorities, the violence began after a fight in the historic Shockoe Bottom area, known for its restaurants and nightlife. A nearby officer reported seeing a large commotion and multiple vehicles quickly leaving the area. Chief Edwards said investigators believe at least two people opened fire during the melee.
A view of the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood in Richmond, Va., photographed in 2019ISSAM AHMED/AFP via Getty
“It seemed like a fight started, individuals intervened in that fight, and shots were fired,” Chief Rick Edwards said, noting that firearms turned a confrontation into a deadly exchange.
Injuries and Investigation
Police say nine people, ages 23 to 42, were struck by gunfire in total. Of those, two died at the scene and seven others — three men and four women — were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Authorities towed six vehicles from the area as part of their evidence collection and stressed the shooting did not originate inside a bar or club.
Family Reaction
Family members told local outlets that Genesis Jones had been in Richmond to celebrate her younger brother's birthday. Her brother Zekiah described her as the life of the party and said she was walking on the street and not involved in the altercation when she was struck.
“From what the police are telling me, she was not a part of it. She was about good vibes, wanting everybody to have a good time and get along,” Zekiah said. “It’s shocking… She was so young, 23. She didn’t have a chance to really live life yet.”
City Officials Respond
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called the shooting “absolutely heartbreaking,” saying the violence is not what residents deserve and expressing sympathy for the families affected.
Call for Help
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Richmond Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard at (804) 646-6795 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Investigators continue to follow leads as they piece together the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
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