In the quiet community of Hanover, Virginia, the life of 8-year-old Orlando Anderson Jr. was tragically cut short on a cold January day in 2019. The young boy, known affectionately as 'Scrappy' to his loved ones, was inside a home on January 21st when an armed intruder forced their way in and opened fire. Orlando was struck by the gunfire and, despite being rushed to VCU Medical Center, succumbed to his injuries.
The sudden and senseless act of violence left his parents and the close-knit community heartbroken and searching for answers.
For a year, the shadow of Orlando's unsolved murder loomed over the area. Then, in January of 2020, a breakthrough in the case brought a sense of relief to the grieving family. Two men, Charles Coleman III and Keith Hargrove, were arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of the young boy. The arrests marked a significant step forward in the quest for justice for Orlando and his family, who had endured a year of painful uncertainty.
The legal proceedings that followed culminated in a week-long trial in May 2021. After hearing the evidence presented, a jury found both Charles Coleman III and Keith Hargrove guilty of first-degree murder and armed burglary of a residence. The conviction brought a measure of closure to Orlando's family, knowing that the men responsible for his death would be held accountable. The jury recommended a severe penalty for their crimes, suggesting two life sentences plus an additional 49 years for each man, ensuring they would spend the remainder of their lives behind bars for the devastating loss of a young life.
