CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The NAACP is asking police to reopen the case of missing 28-year-old Chesterfield resident Ogechi Sarah Uwasomba.
Uwasomba was last seen getting into a car in front of her home in Chesterfield last year. Her mother reported her missing a few days later. Uwasomba’s remains were found back in March of this year in Richmond. Detectives say no foul play was suspected but her family and now the NAACP say there’s no way she could have made it by herself to where her body was found.
“She was placed in an abandoned shed in the woods leaning up against the outer wall of the shed,” said Marty Jewell with the Richmond NAACP.
They’re accusing Chesterfield County police of not fully investigating her disappearance because of her African descent.
“They didn’t notify and look for missing persons in the jails or the hospitals which is routine immediately, they waited 10 days before they did that,” said Jewell.
A licensed private investigator prepared a report on her disappearance, saying while it was investigated “there is all appearance that her case was not a priority for CPD. They would work it as they deemed time allowed.” The group accuses police of routinely treating cases involving minority victims as less important.
“We want everybody to be treated fairly,” said Lynetta Thompson with the Richmond NAACP.
“It’s like they opened the wound right back up,” said Patricia Blowe who was there in support of her son’s case.
Her son Damion was working as a security guard when he was murdered more than five years ago. She says she doesn’t believe police have done enough in his investigation.
“I would like to see justice for my son,” she said.
We reached out to Chesterfield County Police about the claims. Here’s what they had to say:
NAACP: “During the nine months Ogechi was missing, Chesterfield County Police told the family that no foul play was suspected, without providing the family with any basis. The family does not believe search efforts were conducted.”
CCPD: “In a letter sent to Richmond NAACP President Lynetta Thompson, Colonel Dupuis stated that “I can assure you that the Ms. Ogechi Sarah Uwasomba missing person case was afforded the proper attention”. Colonel Dupuis indicated to Lynetta Thompson that at that time he “could not discuss the details of the case, as the investigation is still pending as we continue to support Richmond City Police in their death investigation”. Chesterfield County Police have been in continual contact with Ogechi’s family.”
NAACP: “The Chesterfield Police Department failed to follow up on information from a potential witness who may have seen Ogechi Sarah being chased by a vehicle.”
CCPD: “Chesterfield County Police are requesting further information regarding this question. Our investigation did not reveal any information that Ogechi was chased by a vehicle.”
NAACP: “Ogechi is one of a number of cases of minority victims that have not been properly investigated.”
CCPD: “Chesterfield County Police are committed to serving the community with professionalism and an unbiased approach. We are very responsible and thorough in all of our investigations. The Uwasomba case was given due diligence, and afforded proper attention.”
Police also sent us this letter from State Police to the NAACP: Richmond NAACP – Ms Uwasomba
