Brendon Mackey

Brendon Keith Mackey was a happy, energetic seven-year-old boy who loved to play video games and make people laugh and smile. A second-grade student at Hopkins Elementary in Chesterfield, Virginia, Brendon was remembered by his mother, Marie Harris, as a high-energy child who loved animals and was just beginning to take an interest in girls, even using hair gel to tame a cowlick. He was a beloved son to his father, Bryan Mackey, and his mother and her husband, Robbie Harris, and a brother to Jayleen Cassada and Rylan Gross. His family was waiting for the slight, thin boy to bloom.

On the evening of the Fourth of July in 2013, Brendon was excited to see the fireworks. He had just played a game of Battleship with his mother before heading out with his father and other family members to the annual display near the Swift Creek Reservoir in the Brandermill community. As they walked along a winding road in front of the Boathouse at Sunday Park restaurant, witnesses heard a small "pop." Brendon's father looked back and saw his son's limp body on the ground. At first, it was thought he might have fainted, but the horrifying truth was revealed at a Richmond hospital. A stray bullet had pierced the top of Brendon's head, lodging at the base of his skull. He died from his injury the following day, July 5, 2013.

The Chesterfield County Police Department launched an intensive investigation, concluding that the bullet that killed Brendon was not aimed at him. Instead, they believe it was a tragic result of celebratory gunfire, fired recklessly into the air from as far as a mile away. The random nature of the act made finding the person responsible incredibly difficult. Forensic experts identified the projectile as a .40-caliber class bullet, likely fired from one of five types of handguns. Investigators went door-to-door, canvassing about half of the 1,800 residences within the estimated 5,200-foot radius from where the shot may have originated, a dense area of homes and townhouses tucked into the woods around the reservoir. They tested eight firearms but found no match.

Despite appeals to the public for anyone who fired a gun that night to come forward, no one has. No arrests have ever been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with Brendon's death. A detective told Brendon's mother that if found, the shooter could face a manslaughter charge, a possibility she felt was an inadequate exchange for her son's life. "I can't have my son back," she said. "Five years, and then they go back to their life." All she truly wanted, she said, was a sincere apology.

Brendon's death spurred legislative action in Virginia. State Senator Henry L. Marsh III, who attended the boy's funeral, introduced a bill that became known as "Brendon's Law." Enacted in 2014, the law makes it a felony to recklessly discharge a firearm from a vehicle in a way that results in injury or death and also stiffens penalties for celebratory gunfire that causes harm. Brendon's mother, while supporting the law, expressed concerns about potential loopholes but hoped it would make people think twice. "I'm not against people owning guns," she said. "But if you do own a gun, be more responsible."

Years have passed, but the investigation into Brendon Mackey's death remains open. The Chesterfield Police Department continues to seek leads and periodically reminds the community of the case, especially around the Fourth of July, highlighting the devastating consequences of celebratory gunfire. Brendon's family and friends have contributed to a reward fund in hopes of finding answers. His funeral was held on July 12, 2013, at Brandermill Church, followed by his interment at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester.

As of June 2026, Brendon's case is unsolved, a painful cold case for his family and the community. Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers continues to ask for the public's help. A cash reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660 or use the P3 app, where they can remain anonymous.