In the spring of 2020, a beloved member of the Newport News community, Princess Ann 'PC' Richards Chapman, an 86-year-old female, met a tragic and unexpected end. Known affectionately as 'PC', she was an ordained minister and had previously worked as a dental assistant. Despite being a wheelchair user, she was a cherished figure in her community.
On March 27, 2020, the life of this venerable woman was cut short within the supposed safety of her own home.
The cause of her death was a fatal gunshot wound, an act of violence that reverberated through the neighborhood and left those who knew her in shock and mourning. The incident was swiftly classified as a homicide by law enforcement.
The investigation into her death led to a swift and definitive conclusion. Her husband, Brian Keith Patterson, was identified as the perpetrator. He was promptly arrested and faced charges of second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The legal proceedings that followed brought a measure of closure to a grieving community. Patterson ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. His conviction ensured that he would be held accountable for his actions, with a prison sentence set to conclude in 2039. The case highlighted the often-hidden issue of domestic violence, particularly against vulnerable individuals, and left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved Princess Ann.
