August 25, 2016
Richmond Police detectives have arrested a Chesterfield man in connection with the July homicide of Erik R. McCorkle, 24, of the 1800 block of Regal Drive in Henrico County.
Tavario E. Gates, 20, of the 12000 block of Oak Bluff
Trail in Chester, was arrested yesterday and charged with conspiracy to
commit murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and
possession of a concealed weapon. All three charges are felonies. His
booking photo is attached.
“An outpouring of assistance from the community helped us to
identify key witnesses and move this case forward,” said Captain James Laino
with the Major Crimes Division. “This arrest is proof of how valuable
strong partnerships between the community and police are in solving crime.”
At approximately 2:44 a.m. on July 24, Richmond and Virginia
Commonwealth University police officers responded to the 1300 block of West
Broad Street for reports of random gunfire and persons shot. Upon arrival, they
located three adult victims with gunshot wounds inside the common area of an
apartment building. The victims were transported to a local hospital.
McCorkle succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The
other two victims, one male and one female, are expected to recover from their
injuries.
Detectives believe the shooting stemmed from an argument
between two groups of people.
Even though the shooting occurred near the campus of
Virginia Commonwealth University, RPD detectives do not believe the incident is
connected with the university. None of the three victims are VCU students.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call
Major Crimes Detective Gary Bailey at (804) 646-6743 or contact Crime
Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
Submit tips about persons in possession of illegally-held guns by texting Crime
Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards
up to $250. All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
