December 30, 2020
Ahead of New Year’s Eve, the Richmond Police Department is warning the public about the dangers of random gunfire, also known as celebratory shootings.
Randomly firing a gun is illegal, dangerous, and can be deadly – as seen during New Year’s celebrations in the city last year.
At approximately 12:13 a.m. on January 1, 2020, RPD officers responded to the 2500 block of North Avenue for the report of a shooting. La-tiyah S. Hood, 28, had been shot and was transported by private vehicle to a local hospital, where she died. Detectives have determined her death was the result of celebratory gunfire.
Hood’s mother, Stephanie Brandon, has provided the attached photos of her and the following statement, in hopes of preventing a tragedy like this from happening again:
“The promise of a new year changed my life forever. A celebration cheated 2 sons from their mom, 10 siblings of their sister, 4 nieces of their auntie, a grieving mother of her beloved daughter.
The family birthdays, holidays, family celebrations will be less our love because of another's careless mistake. This mom will miss her sons’ weddings, children born, graduations.
Happy New Year 2021, please bring our family joy and peace of the thought of lessons learned from this tragedy.\
We love and miss you Ta Ta. Rest in Heaven. RIH”
Mateen B. Johnson, 26, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the incident.
RPD is also asking citizens to call 911, if they have information on individuals who plan to behave in this illegal and reckless way or if they hear shots fired. Officers will be responding to calls of random gunfire and working to identify offenders and make arrests.
There will be availability for media interviews on this today at 1 p.m. outside RPD’s First Precinct (2501 Q Street). Please RSVP with RPD Public Affairs in advance.
