March 20, 2017
Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in a
stabbing that occurred in a home on East 16th Street on Sunday and
have made an arrest.
Detectives identified the victim as Rita B. Hawthorne,
27, of the 1100 block of East 16th Street.
Detectives have arrested George H. Cooke, 23, of the 9300
block of Old Staples Mill Road, Henrico, and charged him with robbery and
felony breaking and entering. Additional charges are pending.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., officers were called to a home
in the 1100 block of East 16th Street for the report of a person
down. Officers arrived and found Hawthorne in an upstairs room. She had
suffered a stab wound and was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the
scene. The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.
Detectives have confirmed that Cooke and Hawthorne were
known to each other.
Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective David Cuffley at (804) 646-6795 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
