Monday, September 11, 2017

Gilpin Court Shooting Victims Identified


September 11, 2017
The Richmond Police Department has identified the four victims in two fatal shooting incidents that occurred early yesterday morning in Gilpin Court. They have all been classified as homicides.

  1. At approximately 4:26 a.m., Sunday, September 10, RPD officers were called to the 1200 block of St. Paul Street for a report of random gunfire. When they arrived, they were directed to an apartment where they discovered the bodies of three adults who had been shot. They are:
    1. Aaron Robinson, 50, of the 1200 block of St. Paul Street
    2. Jenelle Smith, 26, of the 1200 block of St. James Street
    3. Cynthia K. Williams, 26, of the 1200 block of St. James Street
  2. At approximately 5:40 a.m. RPD officers at the scene of the St. Paul Street shooting incident heard the sound of gunfire nearby. They responded and discovered the body of Marvin Christopher Eley, 26, of the 1400 block of 1st Street, lying on the ground in the 100 block of Federal Street. He had been shot in the 1200 block of St. James Street.
At this time, RPD detectives have not developed any information to directly connect the two shooting incidents.

“We have a team of detectives who are working hard to solve these crimes,” said Chief Alfred Durham. “We need help before the first shot is fired. There is almost always a back story to these shootings. We support the empowerment of more residents on behalf of their communities. They play a critical role in reducing the violence in their communities.”


Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigations is asked to call the Major Crimes detectives responsible for each case:

  1. Det. M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 (St. Paul St.)
  2. Det. G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 (Federal St.)
Persons may also contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.