A 41-year-old Caucasian man, Kenneth Michael Golding of Chester, Virginia, was fatally shot on the night of February 3, 2021, while driving his vehicle on Interstate 85 in Petersburg. Golding, a father of four, was a devoted family man who enjoyed playing football with his sons. His death left his wife and children in deep mourning.
On that Wednesday evening, Golding and a 33-year-old female passenger had offered a ride to two men they had encountered earlier in Colonial Heights.
As they were traveling south on I-85 and took the exit for Squirrel Level Road, the two male passengers brandished firearms and opened fire. Golding was struck in the neck, and the female passenger sustained a non-life-threatening wound to her arm. After the shooting, the two assailants fled the scene on foot.
Golding was rushed to Southside Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The female passenger was also treated for her injuries. The violent and unexpected nature of the crime raised concerns about public safety among local residents.
Virginia State Police launched an investigation into the homicide. Although initial reports indicated that the suspects were at large, authorities later announced that two individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. However, the specific identities of the suspects and the charges they face have not been widely publicized in the available online sources. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community. A memorial service was later held to honor the life of Kenneth Michael Golding.
