On a late summer evening in Richmond, Virginia, the life of 20-year-old Krissia Henderson-Burrus was tragically cut short. On August 25, 2018, just before 9 p.m., the former high school cheerleader and Virginia Union University student was driving on Hull Street when another vehicle pulled alongside hers and occupants within opened fire. Struck by the gunfire, Krissia lost control of her car, which then crashed into a utility pole in the 4000 block of Hull Street.
When Richmond Police
officers arrived at the scene of what was initially reported as a single-vehicle crash, they discovered both Krissia and a male passenger, 23-year-old Javon Manuel, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital, where Krissia Henderson-Burrus succumbed to her injuries. The passenger, who was out celebrating his birthday with Krissia, was shot five times but survived.
Investigators believe the shots were intended for her passenger and that the incident was possibly gang-related. According to Krissia's mother, her daughter had only known the passenger for 11 days before the fatal shooting. A total of twenty-six shots were reportedly fired into the vehicle, with two striking Krissia. The suspects, believed to be several individuals in a sedan, fled the scene after the shooting.
As of June 2020, authorities from the Richmond Police Department and Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers were still actively seeking information from the public to help them solve the homicide. While investigators have received some information, they have stated that more is needed to lead to an arrest. To date, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the murder of Krissia Henderson-Burrus, and no suspects have been formally named. The case remains an open investigation as her family continues to seek justice for a life they described as full of generosity and love.
