2 People Killed, 7 Injured in Virginia Mass Shooting

A late-night celebration in one of Richmond’s most popular nightlife districts turned deadly early Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and seven others wounded in a chaotic mass shooting.

Police say the gunfire erupted around 2:45 a.m. in Shockoe Bottom, a historic neighborhood packed with restaurants and clubs. Officers in the area noticed a “large commotion” and vehicles suddenly speeding away from the scene just before shots rang out.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said a fight appears to have broken out before the situation spiraled out of control.

“It seemed like a fight started, individuals intervened in that fight, and shots were fired,” Edwards explained.

When the gunfire stopped, nine people had been hit.

A man and a woman — later identified as 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson and 23-year-old Genesis Tamar Jones — died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Seven others, ranging in age from 23 to 42, were rushed to local hospitals.

Genesis’ family had traveled to Richmond to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday. Instead, they are now planning her funeral.

Her older brother, Zekiah, told WTVR that Genesis was simply walking down the street when she was struck.

“From what the police are telling me, she was not a part of it,” he said. “She was about good vibes, wanting everybody to have a good time and get along.”

He described his sister as “the life of the party.”

“It’s shocking… She was so young, 23. She didn’t have a chance to really live life yet,” he said. “She’s still a baby, our baby.”

Investigators towed six vehicles from the area as part of the ongoing probe. Chief Edwards confirmed the violence did not begin inside a bar or club and said authorities believe at least two shooters were involved.

“If you’re carrying firearms, you can’t engage in a normal fight, because it escalates like it did tonight,” Edwards said. “One person starts shooting, multiple people start shooting.” He called the situation “frustrating.”

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula described the bloodshed as “absolutely heartbreaking.”

“Our hearts cry out for the families of the victims,” he said. “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.”

Speaking through grief, Zekiah said the tragedy has changed him.

“I was always against guns, but now it really hits home,” he said. “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. We came to celebrate, and now we’re leaving in grief.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Richmond Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard or Crime Stoppers as the search for suspects continues.