August 10, 2015
Richmond Police detectives are seeking eyewitnesses to an altercation that occurred last Friday afternoon at VCU Medical Center that resulted in the death of a Henrico man.
Phillip Whitaker, Jr., 64, of the 2300 block of Mill Road
was pronounced dead on Sunday following the incident that took place at VCU’s
Ambulatory Care Center Pharmacy, 417 North 11th Street.
The Richmond Police Department has taken over the case at
the request of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Whitaker was injured during an encounter with a contract
security guard working at the VCU Medical Center. VCU Police handled the
initial response. VCU Officers were called to the ACC Pharmacy scene at
approximately 2:32 p.m. Friday where they discovered Whitaker unconscious on
the floor with a serious head injury. They contacted RPD detectives as soon as
doctors determined the injury to be life-threatening.
RPD Detectives have interviewed the guard and released him
temporarily while they consult with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
regarding charges, which are expected. They have reviewed a surveillance video
of the incident and have interviewed several eyewitnesses. They would also like
to interview additional people who were present at the time and may have
witnessed the assault.
People with information that may be helpful to the
investigation are asked to call Major Crimes Detective Michael Gouldman at
(804) 646-3915 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text
Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.
Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
