RICHMOND, Va. — Two people were killed and seven others injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, police said. The gunfire was reported around 2:47 a.m. on North 18th Street.
According to Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards, an officer was already in the area and saw “a large commotion.” He said the officer saw what appeared to be a fight in the street with cars speeding away. She responded within seconds and found an adult woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
That woman has been identified by family as 23-year-old Genesis Jones, Crime Insider Jon Burkett reported.
Victim remembered by family
Jones’s older brother, Zekiah Jones, told CBS 6 the family had come to Shockoe Bottom from Petersburg to celebrate their younger brother’s birthday.
He said Genesis was simply walking down the street when she was struck by gunfire.
Zekiah said he initially didn’t think much when he heard the shots because, sadly, “people shoot all the time in Shockoe Bottom.”
Moments later, friends arrived to tell him his sister had been killed.
“It’s more so shocking… She was so young, 23. She didn’t have a chance to really live life yet,” Zekiah said. “She’s still a baby… our baby.”
Zekiah Jones talks about his sister killed in Shockoe Bottom shooting
Zekiah described his sister as “the life of the party,” someone who loved bringing people together. “She’s going to be truly missed,” he said.
“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,” he said.
He also shared a message about ending violence.
“I was always against guns, but now it really hits home. We, as the people — no matter race or gender — have to come together. The violence has to stop. Not only is my family affected, but there were other victims and families affected. No family should have to feel this, especially during this time of year. We came to celebrate, and now we’re leaving in grief.”
Second victim
Chief Edwards said additional responding officers found an adult man with gunshot wounds. He, too, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not yet officially released the names of any victims.
Victim breakdown
In total, nine people were shot:
Two deceased: Genesis Jones and an adult male
Three adult males wounded
Four adult females wounded
Four of the wounded were transported by the Richmond Ambulance Authority; three others arrived in private vehicles.
What led up to the shooting
“At this point, it seems like a fight started,” Edwards said. “Individuals intervened, and shots were fired. They were all in the middle of the street… in the 0–100 block of North 18th Street.”
He called the incident “frustrating,” noting it had been a relatively quiet night until the shooting.
“If you’re carrying firearms, you can’t engage in a normal fight, because it escalates like it did tonight. One person starts shooting, multiple people start shooting,” Edwards said. “There were at least two shooters, and some of the information we have may change as the investigation continues.”
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards on mass shooting
Chaos in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom
Witnesses told CBS 6 they heard what sounded like automatic gunfire getting closer and closer.
Bartenders near 18th and Franklin said customers ducked behind the bar for safety.
Burkett described the scene as “mad chaos” with cars riddled with bullets, patrons scrambling for shelter, and forensic teams collecting shell casings from vehicles and streets.
Edwards confirmed “several cars have been hit by bullets.” Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and using technology to identify suspects.
Large crime scene
Police have shut down streets from 17th and Main to 19th and Main, and also around 18th and Franklin.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to call Richmond Police at 804-780-1000 or contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can remain anonymous.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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