Police look for answers in recent Richmond murder - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

September has been a deadly month in Richmond. Richmond Police have investigated eight homicides this month and 32 so far this year. They've made arrests in four of the September cases, but one of the most recent ones remains unsolved.

Malik DeSilva was shot and killed last Friday on Old Brook Road. He was one of three people killed on that road this year. But, his case stands out because it was in a busy area and a busy time of night. Police think someone saw something that might just solve the case.

Before detectives responded to the 911 call, police say several witnesses heard some arguing, followed by 2-4 gunshots. They number is unclear because police say some of the noises could have been echoes.  

"They say they saw 2-3 people fleeing this area at a high rate of speed," added Det Arcellious Demery Jr. with the Richmond Police Department. "Shortly after they heard gun shots. We never saw anybody get into a vehicle and pull off, but they say they heard a vehicle leave at a high rate of speed."

When the police got to the building, they say responders had exhausted options for bringing him back to life. He died after being shot, lying in the entryway of the building.

"What Police don't know is what Malik was doing in the building in the first place. He had some older ties to Richmond, but they don't know who he could have been meeting here that night."

"That's the big question we have now," said Detective Demery. "If we could figure out why he was here, that would maybe clear up a lot of things."

DeSilva was a father to two young girls, one only 16 months old. He lived with his wife in Cumberland County. She said he loved to travel and often took spontaneous trips, but she had no idea why he would go to the building on Old Brook Road...or why someone would shoot him.

"They are devastated, absolutely devastated," said Detective Demery. "From what I understand, he was a good family man. Loved his family, loved his wife, loved his kids. They're tremendously hurt."

Police think on such a busy road, someone saw something that night and they would like for witnesses to come forward. They say even the smallest memory may move the case forward. 

Malik DeSilva's memorial service is set for Saturday at 10 a.m.

It's at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Powhatan. If you know anything about what happened, call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

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