RICHMOND Va. -- The three-year-old murdered in Richmond’s Hillside Court neighborhood was playing outside at the time of the shooting, according to his family.
Police were called to the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue in the Hillside Court neighborhood for a shooting report just before 4:10 p.m. Saturday.
When officers arrived, they found three-year-old Sharmar Hill Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound.
The boy’s parents, Shaniqua Allen and Sharmar Hill, Sr., sat down with reporters on Tuesday. The parents and their two children laid out the boy’s favorite toys and clothes.
They said their 14-year-old daughter picked up the injured toddler and rushed him inside.
“I got the call when I was at work,” Allen recalled. “I dropped everything and flew here. When I got there, they told me he was at MCV.”
The toddler was raced to VCU Medical Center where he died of his injuries.
“It’s just sickening… disgusting man. My own community… my own people,”said Hill, Sr.
“My condolences go to everybody that have to experience this because I know this isn’t the first time. Coming as a father to have to experience this — we definitely need counseling.”
The family said they have asked RRHA to be moved to another apartment.
“I’m trying to make something for my family and trying to get them out of here,” said Hill, Sr. “I know it’s going to take some time. I can’t imagine having to live like this every day.”
Charles Willis, the executive director of United Communities Against Crime, has scheduled a candlelight prayer vigil for the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The boy’s homegoing celebration will be held Monday, February 10, at 12:30 p.m. at New Life Deliverance Tabernacle on 900 Decatur Street.
Man arrested possibly connected to fatal shooting
Antonio L. Harris, 21, has been arrested and charged in connection to a Friday night carjacking in the 2600 block of Berwyn Street.
He has not been charged in connection to the fatal shooting, but police said they’re investigating whether the carjacking was connected to the Saturday afternoon shooting.
Harris was arraigned on Tuesday morning where he was denied bond. He’s due back in court on March 5.
Richmond Police released information about several incidents over the weekend that could be connected to the shooting of three-year-old.
· On Friday at approximately 9:58 p.m., officers were called to the 2400 block of Columbia Street for the report of a robbery/carjacking that occurred in the 2600 block of Berwyn Street. A female ride share driver reported two male customers brandished a firearm and robbed her of personal items. She fled on foot and the two males drove away in her newer model Kia, white in color.
· Just before midnight on Friday, and twice more early on Saturday, officers were called to the 1600 block of Rosecrest Avenue for calls of random gunfire. This area is a short distance from the Saturday homicide on Southlawn Avenue. One witness reported seeing a newer model vehicle, white in color, leaving the scene.
· Detectives responded to the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue for the homicide investigation. Information was received indicating a white vehicle sped away after the shooting.
Harris was arrested in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 2. He has been charged with carjacking and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Police say further charges are possible following consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Crime Insider sources say the suspect has a long criminal past that includes more than a dozen charges including carjacking, robbery, and failure to appear in court.
If you have information that could help detectives, call Major Crimes Detective J. Fultz at 804-646-3929, Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.
