On a summer evening in Richmond, Virginia, the life of 36-year-old Kyle Reardon Stoner was cut short in a senseless act of violence. On July 3, 2022, Stoner, a beloved father, was enjoying a night out with friends on the patio of City Dogs, a restaurant in the Fan District. That evening, a man opened fire on the patio, killing Stoner and injuring two other people.
The talented cook, musician, and artist, known for his quiet friendliness and sharp sense of humor, was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led police to a suspect. Within hours of the incident, Virginia State Police arrested 24-year-old Derrick R. Adjei of Alexandria. Adjei was taken into custody following a high-speed chase on Interstate 95 that ended in a single-vehicle crash. A firearm was recovered from his vehicle. Initially, Adjei was charged with malicious wounding, with authorities indicating that other charges were pending as the investigation continued. Friends and family of Kyle Stoner were left to grapple with the shocking and random nature of his death, remembering him as a devoted father to his young son and a cherished friend to many in the Richmond community.
As the legal process unfolded, Derrick Adjei faced charges related to the death of Kyle Stoner. While the initial charge was malicious wounding, the severity of the crime led to more significant charges. The community mourned the loss of a man described as a tremendous father and a gentle soul, who had built a happy life for himself and his son in Richmond after moving from Virginia Beach. The tragic and sudden end to Kyle Stoner's life left a lasting impact on those who knew him, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.
