RICHMOND, Va. -- It has been a violent four days in Richmond in which five people were shot, two people were killed, and another man shot himself.
One of the victims, according to Crime Insider sources, was a teenage mother.
Police found the 16-year-old victim at a Labrook Drive home after they found a man, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, sitting in his car about a mile away on Midlothian Turnpike and Carnation Street.
The man is clinging to life at the hospital after the attempted suicide.
Police confirm the murder victim is his girlfriend.
"At the holidays, it just adds more pain for the families of these two,” Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith said. “It also brings to light this time of year where domestic violence incidents go up. We believe that in the light of Covid and with restrictions, it's not going to help, but be an accelerant."
Less than 24 hours later, Crime Insider sources said another woman was found shot to death off Cheatwood Avenue on the city's Northside.
The victim's sister tells me Chae’Meshia Simms was found shot to death inside her mom’s rental car.
"We are happy to come out and talk to people about the warning signs of a dangerous relationship," Linda Tissiere, CEO of YWCA Richmond, said. "Covid is hard. It takes a toll on our mental health, our emotions, but Richmond will get through this as long as we stick together."
The Cheatwood Avenue remains unsolved. Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
