Killings of 23-year-old Genesis Jones from Petersburg, Va.; seven hurt in Shockoe Bottom mass shooting; victim identified as innocent bystander

 Early Saturday morning, tragedy hit Richmond's Shockoe Bottom neighborhood when a mass shooting claimed two lives and wounded seven others, according to police. Gunfire was claimed to have broken out near 2:47 a.m. on North 18th Street.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards reported that an officer already in the neighborhood witnessed "a large commotion" including what looked to be a fight on the street with cars speeding from the scene. The police quickly answered and came upon an adult female shot several times. She was declared dead at the site.

Family has identified the woman as 23-year-old Genesis Jones, of Petersburg, Va., who was at Shockoe Bottom to commemorate her younger brother's birthday.

Too early a life taken

Jones's older brother, Zekiah Jones, characterized his sister as "the life of the party," a young lady who cherished bringing people together. "She's going to be really missed," he stated. She was rather youthful, twenty-three. She still had no opportunity to truly experience life. She is still a child, our baby.

Zekiah stressed that Genesis was an innocent passerby just strolling down the road when the shooting started. He distributed a message begging violence to cease: We, the people, have to unite regardless of color or sex. The violence must cease. No family should have to experience this. We gathered to rejoice; now we are leaving in sorrow.

Second Victim

Chief Edwards said officers found an adult male later with gunshot injuries. At the scene, he too was declared dead. Authorities have not yet published his name.

Additional Sufferers

Nine people altogether were wounded in the event:

Two deaths: Genesis Jones and an adult male

Three grown males hurt

Four adult women harmed

Richmond Ambulance Authority conveyed four of the wounded; three others came at hospitals in private cars.

What Started the Shooting

Edwards stated that the shooting seems to have begun when a fight erupted; several people then stepped in before bullets were shot in the center of North 18th Street's 0–100 block. He called the incident "frustrating," pointing out it happened on what was otherwise quite peaceful evening.

Investigation and Crime Scene

As investigations go on, police have closed roads from 17th and Main to 19th and Main, including the area around 18th and Franklin. Those with any knowledge should call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard at 804-646-6795. Anonymous submissions of tips are also possible through the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app.

This tale is still unfolding.