RICHMOND, Va. — Two people were killed and seven others were injured after gunfire erupted in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom entertainment district early Saturday, prompting a large police response and an ongoing homicide investigation in one of the city’s busiest nightlife areas.
Richmond Police said officers were dispatched to the 0–100 block of North 18th Street at approximately 2:47 a.m. after receiving multiple reports of shots fired. Detectives believe an altercation between groups escalated rapidly, ending with multiple people opening fire.
Two people killed in the shooting
Authorities have identified the two people who died as Genesis Tamar Jones, 23, of Petersburg, and Dominic Antoine Jackson, 42, of Henrico County.
Jones’ family said she had traveled to Richmond with relatives to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday. According to family members, she was not involved in the confrontation and was struck by gunfire while walking through the area.
Jackson was also found suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not indicated that either victim was involved in the dispute that preceded the shooting.
Seven others survived with gunshot wounds
Police said a total of nine people were shot. Alongside the two fatalities, seven adults were injured, including three men and four women.
Four victims were transported to hospitals by ambulance, while three others arrived in private vehicles. Officials have not released additional medical details about the surviving victims.
Investigators believe multiple shooters were involved
According to Richmond Police, surveillance evidence indicates that a fight broke out before several people began firing weapons. Detectives believe there were multiple shooters, though the investigation remains active as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Crime scene investigators recovered numerous shell casings from the area and examined several vehicles that were struck by bullets. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses and speaking with witnesses to establish the sequence of events.
Shockoe Bottom remained closed during investigation
Several streets in Shockoe Bottom were temporarily closed while forensic teams documented the scene. Police spent hours collecting evidence across multiple blocks as investigators worked to identify everyone involved.
Officials have asked anyone who was in the area and recorded video on a mobile phone to contact investigators, saying even short recordings could help identify suspects or confirm the timeline.
Community safety concerns return
Shockoe Bottom is one of Richmond’s most popular entertainment districts, attracting large crowds on weekends. The latest shooting has renewed discussion about public safety in areas where nightlife venues draw hundreds of people late into the night.
City leaders have said they will continue working with law enforcement and business owners as detectives investigate the incident. More national and local breaking stories can be found on our latest news page.
Police continue seeking information
Richmond Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests or charges are possible as detectives analyze surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness statements.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department or call 804-780-1000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
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