Suspect Charged in West Broad Street Homicide Investigation
Richmond Police detectives have charged the suspect in the homicide of a juvenile female who was found in a park along the James River last month.
Austin Akers-Reid, 19, of Halifax, has been in custody since April on charges of robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a robbery. He has now been charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a murder and concealment of a dead body. His booking photo is attached.
On Thursday, April 17 at approximately 10:05 p.m., officers were called to Ancarrow’s Landing on Brander Street for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and found a juvenile female, 17, of North Chesterfield, down and unresponsive. She had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives determined the incident was connected to a scene on West Broad Street the previous day. On Wednesday, April 16 at approximately 6:38 a.m., officers were called to a parking deck in the 2000 block of West Broad Street for the report of a suspicious situation. Officers arrived and collected evidence that they connected to the homicide investigation.
“Detectives determined this was a tragic case involving known parties which was not connected to other investigations,” said RPD Chief Rick Edwards. “Yet, it was particularly disturbing to the public due to the location of the final crime scene. I applaud the swift arrest and charges in this investigation.”
Anyone with further information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Sullivan at (804) 646-3929 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
