RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A small group of neighbors joined heads and bowed heads on the evening of August 24, just feet away from what had been a crime scene the night before.
“We felt moved to come pray for peace in the community, to honor the Lord, ask him to bring comfort to these families, to bring comfort to this area,” said Leslie Moore.
Earlier in the evening, Richmond Police released the identity of the two victims in homicide that occurred in the 700 block of North 35th Street Sunday night.
When officers arrived on the scene they found a woman and man in an alley behind a row of homes suffering from gunshot wounds.
Twenty-six-year-old Rashamella L. Willingham was pronounced dead at the scene. 31-year-old William S. White was transported to a hospital, but died after arriving.
A childhood friend describes Willinhgam as a larger-than life personality with a beautiful spirit.
”They took something no one could ever give back — a mom sister daughter aunt cousin — a life that means so much,” said lifelong friend Tia Washington.
Medical examiners will determine the cause of death. Willingham was the mother of a 6-year old boy, from whom neighbors say she was inseparable.
Moore said the repercussions of the violence extend beyond the victims and their families.
“It touches our whole neighborhood,” she said. “Our hearts go out to them. God is the one who can bring real comfort.”
Detectives are actively working leads in the case, and encourage anyone with information on this incident to call Major Crimes Detective Ed Aeschlimann at (804) 646-3351 or (804) 839-0959 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
