January 26, 2020
The
Richmond Police Department is
asking for help from the general public to locate a suspect in a homicide that
occurred in late November, 2019.
RPD
detectives are seeking information as to the whereabouts of Deon Thomas, 19,
of Richmond in connection with the shooting death of Ashraf H. Mahasees,
a clerk at a convenience store in the 3100 block of Midlothian Turnpike.
The motive for the shooting was robbery.
Thomas
was originally arrested for robbery in relation to the homicide on December
5, 2019. He was released last Thursday, January 23rd from the Richmond
Justice Center prior to being served with the Multi-jurisdictional Grand
Jury indictment for murder. The Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury had
met on January 22nd and returned a true bill indicting Thomas
for murder
At
approximately 11:03 p.m., November 30, RPD officers were called to the
store for a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found Mahasees
body inside. He had been shot multiple times.
The
suspect, Deon Thomas, is described as a young black male, 5’06” tall,
weighing approximately 132 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. An updated
photo is attached.
Anyone
who sees Thomas should not approach him, but call 911. He should be
considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone
with information to help the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force
locate Thomas should call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips smartphone app
may also be used.
Deon Thomas
