On the evening of April 13, 2026, Barbie Mirella Perez, a 28-year-old mother, was fatally shot outside her family's residence in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. in the 3000 block of Shady Creek Road, where Chesterfield County Police officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon their arrival, they discovered Perez had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting also resulted in damage to multiple homes and vehicles in the vicinity, though no other individuals were physically harmed.
The investigation into the death of Perez, who was described by loved ones as a kind-hearted and amazing daughter, sister, and friend, quickly identified a suspect who was known to her. This individual had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The following day, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, authorities located and apprehended Javonte Blackston. He has since been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Perez's death.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has shown an outpouring of support for Perez's family, particularly for her infant daughter, Dream. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral expenses and to provide for the child's future, quickly surpassing its initial goal. An online gift registry was also created for those wishing to donate essential items for the baby. Perez was also the mother of a son, Jru, who had passed away at just nine days old. Funeral services for Barbie Mirella Perez have been scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Future Church of Christians in Richmond.
