In the late afternoon of November 28, 2023, the city of Petersburg was shaken by an act of violence that claimed the life of 29-year-old DeVaughn A. Lawrence. A Black/African American male, Lawrence was discovered by police responding to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:07 p.m. in the 100 block of Perry Street. He was found deceased at the scene, the victim of a fatal shooting.
His death marked the 22nd homicide in Petersburg for the year, a grim milestone that tied the city's record for homicides set in 2020.
The investigation into Lawrence's death led authorities to identify a suspect in the case. Following their investigation, police named 24-year-old Jasmine Yancey as the individual allegedly responsible for the shooting. On December 5, 2023, Yancey was taken into custody without incident.
Jasmine Yancey is facing serious charges in connection with the death of DeVaughn Lawrence. She has been charged with first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Following her arrest, Yancey was incarcerated and is being held in custody as she awaits her court appearance. The community, unsettled by the violence, was given a sense of relief with the swift arrest. The case has prompted local discussions about community safety and measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
