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 on 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.
