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South Richmond resident calls neighborhood “a killing ground”

Posted at 11:45 PM, Sep 30, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-30 23:45:56-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--A local man was shot to death in South Richmond early Sunday morning.

Just after 4 a.m., Richmond Police investigators found 37-year-old Andre Lee Seward lying outside an apartment unit at the 1500 block of Lone Street, which is in Hillside Court. Seward was rushed to VCU Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Officers are still investigating to find out just what happened and to identify possible suspects.

CBS 6 spoke with someone representing Seward’s family, who said his family is requesting privacy while they attempt to process what happened.

“You don't have to go far to bury nobody these days because they leaving them dead and naked.  There's just so much disrespect,” Billy Ward, who lives in Hillside Court, said.

Ward was out walking his girlfriend's dog when he heard what happened early Sunday morning.

“Most people expect to wake up with something bad happening and nothing good happening,” Ward said about Hillside Court.

Part of Ward's walk today includes looking for his scooter, which he says was stolen for the fourth time last night.

While he searches once again for his property, Ward said  the violence that took Seward's life last night is just another example of Hillside becoming known as what he calls "a killing ground."

“Hillside needs a change. The policemen are giving us all they can.  They can't stay in Hillside all the time because they got other places to go,” Ward said.

He said he tries to be realistic, and said  the violence won't stop unless everyone in Hillside takes ownership of their neighborhood.

“Hillside is a big hole in Richmond.  We need to be lifted out of this. We need to change Hillside ourselves.  Hillside needs to build itself up,” he said.

Richmond Police are working to identify suspects in this case.  While they are still canvassing the neighborhood, they need your help. 

If you have any information on the shooting death of Andre Seward, Richmond Police ask you to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text your tip to 274637, using the keyword “ITip” followed by your tip.