90 people killed in Richmond in 2021; at least 41 cases remain unsolved

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Ninety lives were lost to homicides in Richmond in 2021. According to the city’s major crime unit, that’s the most homicides of any year since 2004.

In December alone, eight people were killed with an eight-day period. The city’s website reports that at least 41 of the 2021 homicides remain unsolved.

The unsolved cases include the death of Shevan Rochester, a 32-year-old security guard killed at work on Nov. 28.

Father Shevan Rochester, a security guard, was killed working at Thirst Bistro & Bar on Nov. 28. — Father Shevan Rochester, a security guard, was killed working at Thirst Bistro & Bar on Nov. 28.(National Gun Violence Memorial)

They also include Brianna Whittaker-Oliver, a 27-year-old volunteer at Richmond SPCA who was killed at the Bloom Apartments on the northside.

Brianna Whittaker-Oliver, 27, died from multiple gunshot wounds in the 3900 block of... — Brianna Whittaker-Oliver, 27, died from multiple gunshot wounds in the 3900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue on Nov. 29.(National Gun Violence Memorial)

Just this week, a $5,000 reward was set up for any information leading to the person who murdered Cody Woodson, a 20-year-old VCU student who was shot and killed near campus.

Cody Woodson was shot and killed on April 5 on Gilmer Street, near his residence and VCU campus. — Cody Woodson was shot and killed on April 5 on Gilmer Street, near his residence and VCU campus.(Family)

Anyone with information that could help get answers in any of these cases should call Metro Richmond Crime Solvers at 804-780-1000.

And for those who are going day-by-day without their loved one, there is a homicide support group that meets on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, call 804-646-6754.

A previous version of this story said there were 93 homicides in Richmond. Police have since corrected that number and say they will address the discrepancy on the department’s website next week.

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