In the summer of 2016, the life of a Richmond, Virginia artist was tragically cut short, leaving a community to mourn the loss of a man known for his creative spirit. Albert Cartoon Trower, a 56-year-old male, was discovered on the morning of July 10, 2016, in the Swansboro neighborhood of Richmond. He had been fatally shot, a victim of the violence that plagued the city.
Trower, known affectionately as 'Cartoon' or 'Art-boy,' was a familiar face to many, an artist who, despite being homeless at the time of his death, brought a unique vision to the world through his hand-drawn depictions of celebrities and civil rights leaders, as well as his own original cartoon characters.
The investigation into Trower's death moved swiftly, and within days, authorities had a suspect in their sights. Shawn L. Richardson, a 23-year-old resident of Richmond, was identified as the individual allegedly responsible for the artist's demise. The U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Richardson, bringing a sense of cautious relief to a community shaken by the senseless act. He was officially charged with conspiracy to commit murder, a serious accusation that pointed to a deliberate and planned act of violence against the vulnerable artist.
At the time of his arrest for the murder of Albert Trower, Shawn L. Richardson was no stranger to the criminal justice system. He had a prior conviction for carrying a concealed weapon and was also facing a litany of other serious charges. These included maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle and assault and battery, painting a picture of a man with a propensity for violence. Furthermore, he was accused of violating his probation, indicating a disregard for previous opportunities to reform. Following his arrest, the legal process began to unfold, with a hearing scheduled for August of that year to address the numerous charges against him, including the conspiracy to murder the beloved street artist. The community waited for justice to be served for a man whose art had touched many, even as he navigated the hardships of life on the streets.
