In the late hours of a Friday night in Richmond, Virginia, the life of 54-year-old Richard McKinnon was tragically cut short. On August 2, 2024, in the historic neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom, McKinnon was found unresponsive in the 100 block of North 20th Street at 10:26 p.m.. He had been shot multiple times in the back and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death was later determined to be a homicide by the Medical Examiner.
The sound of gunfire had echoed through the neighborhood, attracting the attention of a Richmond Police sergeant who was patrolling a designated crime hotspot just two blocks away. This rapid response was part of a crime deterrent strategy that places officers in areas with a history of violence to enable a quicker reaction to incidents. The officer's proximity allowed for an immediate investigation into the shooting.
The investigation led by Richmond Police detectives quickly identified a suspect. Anthony Williams, a 31-year-old man from Richmond, was arrested and subsequently charged with the murder of Richard McKinnon. Authorities have not released a motive for the shooting or the details of the evidence that led to Williams's arrest.
The case is being handled by the Major Crimes division of the Richmond Police Department. Investigators have asked for anyone with further information about the homicide to come forward and contact Detective C. Tovar or Crime Stoppers. The matter is now proceeding through the criminal justice system.
