In the autumn of 2016, the life of 35-year-old Naquan R. Bentley, a Black male, was tragically cut short in Richmond, Virginia. On October 22nd, his body was discovered in the 5800 block of Westover Village Drive. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene, marking the city's 52nd homicide of that year.
The investigation into Bentley's death moved swiftly.
On the very same day his body was found, Richmond police arrested 54-year-old Tracey Hughes in connection with the killing. Hughes, a resident of Richmond, was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In November of the following year, justice was served in a Richmond courtroom. Tracey Hughes was convicted for his role in Naquan Bentley's death and received a life sentence. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hughes had a prior criminal history, a factor that contributed to the severity of his sentence.
