On the evening of February 20, 2025, Demond Winston, a 41-year-old African American man from the Richmond, Virginia area, was driving his 2022 Chevy Tahoe eastbound along Interstate 64. As he neared the Mechanicsville Turnpike exit in Henrico County, the course of his life was irrevocably altered when he was struck by a gunshot to the abdomen. The targeted act of violence caused his vehicle to veer off the highway, where it eventually came to rest in a ditch, unnoticed for a time by the flow of traffic.
A Henrico County police officer on patrol discovered the vehicle off the side of the road and, upon investigating, found Mr. Winston inside with life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders were quickly called to the scene, and he was rushed to VCU Medical Center for immediate medical attention. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, Demond Winston succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, turning a roadside incident into a homicide investigation.
Known to his friends and family as “HardRock ” for his spirited nature, Demond was a man who had triumphed over considerable personal loss, including the deaths of his mother, younger brother, and a sister. A 2001 graduate of Highland Springs High School, he channeled his energy into becoming an electrician and a budding entrepreneur. He was the founder of Eva Logistics, LLC, and Big A1 Power Washing, and also hosted a podcast titled “Morals>Money.” His commitment extended to his community, where he served as the Director of Community Relations for a local organization. He was a father who, by all accounts, was deeply loved and respected.
The Virginia State Police is leading the ongoing investigation into his death, which they have characterized as a targeted shooting rather than a random act of violence. Investigators have been processing evidence, including shell casings found at the scene, and are aware of a video that surfaced on social media which may be related to the case. Authorities have not yet publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the murder. They have made a public appeal for information, urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity on Interstate 64 that night to come forward and assist in bringing justice to Demond Winston and his grieving family.
