In the late summer evening of September 2, 2023, a trip to the grocery store in Glen Allen, Virginia, turned into a scene of violence that would ultimately claim the life of a young father. Julian Leshon McClenny, a 30-year-old Black male from Drewryville, was leaving the Whole Foods in the Short Pump area when he was senselessly shot. The incident, which occurred around 8:50 p.m. in the 11100 block of West Broad Street, was described by sources as a random and unprovoked attack.
McClenny was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and fought for his life for four days before succumbing to his injuries on September 6, 2023.
Friends and family remembered Julian McClenny as a devoted father who was dedicated to his children and known for his strong work ethic, often holding multiple jobs to provide for his family. He was an avid sports lover and was described as someone who was always there for those who needed him. His sudden and tragic death left a void in the lives of his loved ones and the community. The shooting took place after McClenny's birthday dinner while he was on a walk with his girlfriend.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly, and two days after the incident, authorities apprehended two suspects from Crewe, Virginia. Deontae Winston, 33, and Katoya Brown, 35, were taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Initially, they were charged with malicious wounding and firearm offenses. However, following McClenny's death, these charges were upgraded to second-degree murder. Reports indicate that the suspects, driving a minivan, had approached McClenny and his girlfriend as they were leaving the store. An attempt at conversation, possibly including a request for money, led to a verbal altercation that quickly escalated to gunfire.
Courtney Brown, McClenny's girlfriend, later recounted that the encounter began with aggressive panhandling from the suspects, and Julian was killed while protecting her. Deontae Winston and Katoya Brown were later sentenced to 60 years in prison for their roles in the murder of Julian McClenny, bringing a measure of closure to his grieving family and friends two years after the fatal shooting. A look into Winston's past revealed an extensive criminal record that included weapons and drug charges.
