In the pre-dawn hours of a Saturday, the life of 18-year-old Edguin Zelaya-Mendez was cut short by a burst of gunfire in a Richmond, Virginia apartment complex parking lot. A Hispanic male from Alexandria, Zelaya-Mendez was found unresponsive next to a parked car on November 1, 2025, after police, who were already at the West Bacon Street and Hickory Street location for a noise complaint, heard shots ring out at approximately 3:24 a.m.
He was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
As the investigation into the homicide began, those who knew Edguin remembered him as a young man full of life and dreams. Friends and family described him as a cherished son, brother, and friend, whose kind and energetic spirit brought joy to those around him. A fundraising effort was initiated to assist his family with the unexpected funeral expenses.
The Richmond Police Department identified Zelaya-Mendez as the victim and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for his death. Detectives from the Major Crimes unit are actively investigating the case. As of the latest available information, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
