On New Year's Eve 2018, Michelle La'Chae Rawlings, a 25-year-old Black female, was found deceased in her Richmond, Virginia, apartment in what law enforcement determined to be a murder-suicide. Police had been called to her Kings Point Court apartment for a welfare check around 7:30 p.m. and discovered her body along with that of her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, Tyshawn Buckner.
The investigation concluded that Buckner shot and killed Rawlings before turning the gun on himself.
At the time of her death, Rawlings was remembered as a vibrant and dedicated individual with a passion for helping others. She worked as a foster care case worker with First Home Care and also served as an assistant coach for the girls' basketball team at Atlee High School in Hanover County. A graduate of Norfolk State University, she was known for her bright smile and her ability to bring sunshine to those around her. Her family described her as the life of the party and a motivator to others.
According to her family, Rawlings had been trying to end an unhealthy relationship with Buckner. They stated that she had been supporting him while he was unemployed, but the relationship had become strained. In the wake of this tragedy, Rawlings' family has spoken out to raise awareness about domestic violence and to encourage parents to have open conversations with their children about safely ending relationships. As the investigation determined Buckner acted alone in the murder-suicide, no further arrests were made in connection with Michelle Rawlings' death.
