In the early hours of a Tuesday morning in February 2020, the life of Letron Anthony Franklin Sr., a 26-year-old Black man, was tragically cut short. On February 25th, Richmond police responded to calls of gunfire in the 1500 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. Upon arrival at the apartment complex parking lot, officers discovered Mr. Franklin and another man, 66-year-old James M. Winston, unresponsive.
Both men were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Letron Franklin, a man described as devoted to his wife and children, was born in Wichita, Kansas, and had moved to Richmond, Virginia, with his family in 1998. He was a graduate of Meadowbrook High School and worked as a Maintenance Technician. His family remembered him as a man of faith, a loving and compassionate husband, father, son, and brother who was known for his integrity and willingness to help others. He was a protector of his family and a man who offered a listening ear and sound advice to those who needed it.
The double homicide investigation was launched by the Richmond Police Department. In the immediate aftermath, authorities confirmed the identities of both victims and stated that the investigation was ongoing. The community was left to mourn the loss of two of its members, with friends and family of Letron Franklin remembering him as a positive and caring individual.
As of the latest available information, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in connection with the deaths of Letron Franklin and James M. Winston. The case was reported as an ongoing investigation in the weeks following the incident, but further details on the progress of the investigation, any potential motive, or persons of interest have not been released to the public. The loss of Letron Franklin continues to be felt by his family, who cherish the memory of a dedicated family man gone too soon.
