In the Carver neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia, just a stone's throw from the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, a promising life was tragically cut short. Samuel Kwarteng, a 20-year-old male VCU student from Alexandria, Virginia, was fatally shot on April 13, 2017. A bright and hardworking student, Kwarteng was on the verge of graduating a year early with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
His friends and family remembered him as a selfless, talented, and caring individual who had moved off-campus to better focus on his studies. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and was known for his dedication and kindness.
The events that led to Kwarteng's untimely death unfolded on the 1200 block of West Moore Street. He had accompanied a friend to the residence of Emmanuel E. Jordan, also 20 years old at the time. An altercation ensued, reportedly stemming from a dispute over a drug-related debt. Witnesses reported hearing arguing and screaming before the sound of gunfire pierced the night. Kwarteng was struck in the back by a bullet from a. 40 caliber handgun and collapsed on the front porch of the home, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the shooting, Richmond Police arrested Emmanuel E. Jordan. He was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter. During the legal proceedings, prosecutors described the shooting as an accidental killing that occurred during a heated dispute. Jordan's defense attorney argued that his client had been receiving threatening messages and acted out of fear when he brandished the weapon to get Kwarteng and his friend to leave. The defense maintained that the gun discharged unintentionally as Jordan was pushing them out the door.
In August 2017, Emmanuel E. Jordan was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. He was later sentenced to one year in prison for his role in the death of Samuel Kwarteng. The tragic incident left the VCU community and Kwarteng's loved ones in mourning, with vigils held to honor the memory of a young man whose life was filled with promise.
