A late-night fight in one of Richmond’s busiest nightlife districts turned deadly early Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and seven others wounded in a burst of gunfire that stunned the city.
Police say the chaos erupted around 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 21 in Shockoe Bottom, a historic neighborhood packed with restaurants and clubs. Officers in the area spotted what they described as a “large commotion,” along with cars suddenly speeding away from the scene.
Moments later, shots rang out.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards confirmed that 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson and 23-year-old Genesis Tamar Jones were killed after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
“It seemed like a fight started, individuals intervened in that fight, and shots were fired,” Edwards said.
Authorities say nine people total were shot, ranging in age from 23 to 42. Three men and four women survived but were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Investigators towed six vehicles from the area as part of the evidence collection process. Edwards also confirmed the violence did not begin inside a bar or club and that there were at least two shooters involved.
“If you’re carrying firearms, you can’t engage in a normal fight, because it escalates like it did tonight,” Edwards said, calling the situation “frustrating.” “One person starts shooting, multiple people start shooting.”
For Genesis Jones’ family, the night was supposed to be about celebration. According to WTVR, relatives had gathered in Richmond to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday.
Her older brother, Zekiah, said she was simply walking down the street when she was struck by gunfire.
“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” and struggled to process her sudden death.
“It’s shocking… She was so young, 23. She didn’t have a chance to really live life yet,” he told the outlet. “She’s still a baby, our baby.”
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called the shooting “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.”
Zekiah said the tragedy has forever changed his perspective.
“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 urging anyone with information to contact Richmond Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard or Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.