In the early morning hours of June 15, 2013, the life of 22-year-old Darvis McLaughlin was tragically cut short in Richmond, Virginia. A Black male, McLaughlin was discovered by Richmond Police officers who were patrolling the Gilpin Court Housing Community around 5 a.m. and heard the sound of gunshots. Upon their arrival at the scene, they found McLaughlin suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite the efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led police to a suspect, Curtis Leon Finley, who was also known by the nickname 'Lil Curtis.' Finley was subsequently arrested and faced charges for his alleged involvement in McLaughlin's death. The charges brought against him were second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, reflecting the violent nature of the incident that led to the young man's death.
Following his arrest, Curtis Leon Finley stood trial for the murder of Darvis McLaughlin. The legal proceedings concluded with a jury finding Finley guilty on both counts. For the charge of second-degree murder, he was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. An additional three years were added to his sentence for the firearm offense, bringing the total to eighteen years of incarceration. The conviction brought a measure of justice to the family and friends left to mourn the untimely loss of Darvis McLaughlin.
