Man shot in parked car at South Richmond apartment complex - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A man was shot and killed inside a car in broad daylight at the Southwood Apartment complex off Southwood Parkway, early Tuesday evening.

The victim is described by police as a black man in his twenties, shot several times. Crowds of residents lined the parking lot, watching the scene unfold. It was tenants who heard the fatal gunshots and reported the incident to police.

"We got the call two minutes after 6 p.m.. Officers were on the scene within 90 seconds," said Gene Lepley, spokesman for the Richmond Police Department.

Officers found the victim dead in the passenger seat of a silver Ford. Police combed for evidence for nearly five hours. Investigators believe the victim was targeted.

"We want to at least let the people, the thousands of people who live in this apartment complex, know that we don't believe that they're in danger because there's some random gunman running around," added Lepley.

Random or not, some tenants say that the area is always teeming with crime.

"Richmond police are always out here...Every time you turn around, they're always out here. So, I feel if there was more security, you wouldn't need Richmond city police," said Pamela Copeland, a tenant for nearly five months.

Police say they're now trying to officially identify the victim and find the killer. If you can help police solve this case, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

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