RICHMOND, Va. -- Two men were killed after they were shot in Richmond Friday afternoon, Crime Insider sources told Jon Burkett.
Police were investigating the shooting outside the Tiger Market along the 200 block of West Hill Street in the city's Gilpin Court housing community.
Officers responded to the 1300 block of St. Paul Street after hearing gunfire in the area at 3:10 p.m., officials said.
People living in the neighborhood told Burkett that the shots were quick and that there was brief chaos as folks rushed outside to make sure their kids were OK.
When officers arrived, they found one man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital by ambulance where he died of his injuries.
Then police said a second man arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. He also succumbed to his injuries.
"Detectives have determined these shootings are related," police said.
No additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shootings were available at last check late Friday.
The violence marked the city's third and fourth homicides of the year.
Pastor Valerie Coley, who is part of the city's Trauma Healing Network and appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to a public safety council, said daytime shootings illustrate the need for more mental health resources.
"You're impulsive, if you don't think and grab a gun and kill someone,” Coley said. “Then that means something is going on upstairs mentally."
Coley vowed to be a force for good in the community.
"We are going to continue to be out here, continue to love on all of our families -- even those who are out here with the guns," Coley said. "I want them to know there's something better, and I love them and we can make a difference if they decide to make a change."
Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to call Detective A. Darnell at 804-646-3927 or contact 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.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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