January
30, 2020
Last
night, one suspect who was wanted in connection to the homicide prior to a fire
on Thurman Street last November surrendered to detectives. Another suspect is
still at large.
Following
extensive media coverage of the wanted suspects, Roquanta R. Beard, 18, of
the 3400 block of Ritter Street, surrendered to detectives at Police
Headquarters without incident. Beard was charged with grand larceny. Other
charges could be added after consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s
Attorney. His booking photo is attached.
Richmond
Police Department detectives are still asking for the public’s assistance in
locating a third suspect from the Thurman Street incident, Johntae D. Sauls,
18, of the 3400 block of Maury Street. His photo is also attached.
“We’d
like to thank our media partners who shared this important information with the
public,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Lisa Watson. “Just hours after the
media reports first appeared – the suspect surrendered.”
At
approximately 2:22 a.m. on November 1, the Richmond Fire Department responded
to the 00 block of Thurman Street for the report of a warehouse fire.
After the fire was suppressed, firefighters found Anthony S. Wheeler, 35, of
Charles City, VA, who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced
dead at the scene.
Last
week, detectives charged Marquise J. Culpepper, 20, of the 2400 block of
Hull Street, with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony,
robbery and arson. Additional charges are pending.
Anyone
with further information about this homicide or anyone who knows the
whereabouts of Sauls is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at
(804) 317-6922 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime
Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are
anonymous.
