August
10, 2026
Update: Parkwood Avenue Death Investigation
Richmond Police detectives have provided an update in the
death investigation of a male found outside a structure on Parkwood Avenue last
Wednesday.
After consultation with the Office of the Medical Examiner, preliminary
investigation has indicated the absence of obvious foul play. The cause and manner of death is still under
investigation.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of
the incident. While an adult female in the house was detained briefly by
detectives, no person has been charged at this time. The investigation
continues.
At
approximately 5:31 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, officers were called to
the 3400 block of Parkwood Avenue for the report of a person down. Officers
arrived and located an adult male, Christopher Draughn, 41, of Richmond, outside of a structure, down and unresponsive. He was
pronounced dead at the scene.
As is
standard with the unknown circumstances of a person down, RPD initiated a
response for a possible criminal act. As part of that response, several specialized
RPD units, including SWAT and the Negotiator team, responded to the scene for
the possibility of a person of interest inside the structure.
Following
several attempts to communicate with the individual a search warrant was
obtained and executed. During entry, three “light, sound diversion devices”
were deployed. These can sound like gunfire – but no shots were fired. The
adult female was found inside the structure, was briefly placed in
investigative detention, and then released. There were no other injuries.
Anyone
with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective
B. Plaskett at (804) 646-3431 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime
Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
