In the city of Petersburg, Virginia, a a 43-year-old man, Royal Antonio Briggs, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident that unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, December 11, 2019. His death marked a grim milestone for the city, becoming one of two homicides that occurred on the same day and setting a new record for the number of homicides in a single year.
The fatal shooting of Mr. Briggs took place in the 800 block of Wilcox Street.
Responding to a call about shots fired, Petersburg Police officers arrived at the scene to find him with life-threatening injuries. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his wounds. The incident was part of a violent night in Petersburg that saw another man killed in a separate shooting just hours earlier.
In the aftermath of the shootings, the Petersburg Police Department launched an intensive investigation into both homicides. Authorities publicly identified Royal Antonio Briggs as one of the victims and appealed to the community for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for his death. However, despite their efforts, there have been no subsequent announcements regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in connection with the murder of Royal Antonio Briggs.
The case of Royal Antonio Briggs's death remains a poignant and unresolved chapter in the city's history. His homicide contributed to a record-breaking year for violence in Petersburg, leaving a family to grieve and a community searching for answers. As of late 2025, the investigation into his death appears to be ongoing, with no publicly available information to indicate that the case has been closed or that justice has been served for Mr. Briggs and his loved ones.
