Shockoe Bottom mass shooting in Richmond, Virginia leaves 2 dead, 7 injured after a fight breaking out in the street leading to multiple gunmen. Two fatalities identified as Genesis Tamar Jones, 23, of Petersburg, Va and Dominic Antoine Jackson, 42, of Henrico County. No arrests.
Two people were killed and seven others wounded in a mass shooting early Saturday morning in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia after a street fight led to gun violence erupting.
Gunfire broke out around 2:47 a.m. on North 18th Street as a large congregation had gathered leading to a female bystander, since identified as Genesis Tamar Jones, 23, of Petersburg, Va., suffering multiple fatal gunshot wounds and a second man dying at the scene.
Reports identified the deceased male as Dominic Antoine Jackson, 42, of Henrico County. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Innocent female bystander who had come to attend birthday party shot and killed
A further seven individuals were injured during the mass shooting believed to have involved multiple shooters.
According to Jones’ family, she’d come to Shockoe Bottom to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday only to be fatally shot as she walked down the street close to where the commotion erupted, WTVR reported.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said the shooting appeared to start with a fight in the street. When it escalated, at least two people opened fire. From there, multiple shooters followed. No less than 50 shell casings were recovered, Edwards said during a Saturday morning press briefing.
‘I can confirm that this did not originate in a club. All the bars were closed at 2 a.m.,’ Chief Edwards said. ‘This was people hanging out on the streets. Two groups of individuals started fighting.’
‘Multiple people entered that fight with firearms in hand,’ he continued.
Shockoe Bottom mass shooting involves multiple gunmen and 50 cartridge casings
Of the seven others who were wounded, three men and four women, four were transported by the Richmond Ambulance Authority and three arrived at local hospitals in private vehicles. Among those injured, one adult male was listed in life-threatening condition. Three men and three women sustained injuries that were not considered life threatening.
Witnesses near the scene told CBS 6 the gunfire sounded automatic and kept getting closer. Bartenders along 18th and Franklin said patrons dropped behind the bar for cover. Investigators spent the early morning hours collecting shell casings from vehicles and pavement. Several cars in the area were struck by bullets.
Following the shooting a large commotion of vehicles were seen fleeing the scene.
‘Over 50 cartridge casings were recovered, multiple firearms. We towed 6 cars. And, you know, we’re hoping to get some more help from the community, though. So people have been sending me videos and we’re giving those to our investigators,’ Chief Edwards said.
To date authorities had recovered two guns at the scene but police were still looking for more.
Richmond, Virginia gun violence
Edwards noted that the Richmond Police Department seizes more than 1,800 guns in Richmond annually on average — about a third of what the New York City Police Department seizes.
“It just shows you the omnipresence of firearms in our city,” he said. “The sheer amount of guns that are on the streets in our city is shocking.”
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called Saturday’s shooting incident ‘absolutely heartbreaking.’
‘Our hearts cry out for the families of the victims,’ he said, according to WRIC. ‘This is not how people want to live. This is not what our city is about. This is not what the residents of our city deserve.’
No suspects identified and no arrests made
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and using other technology to identify suspects. No arrests had been announced as of Saturday morning.
Shockoe Bottom is known as Richmond’s entertainment district and is aligned with clubs and bars.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richmond Police Department at 804-780-1000. Tips to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
