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‘I hope they find the person’ Neighbors react to double homicide at Richmond apartments

Posted at 8:31 AM, Feb 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-21 10:03:45-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police have declared a double shooting that occurred at an apartment complex Saturday morning as a double homicide after one man was found dead on scene and a woman died from her injuries at a local hospital.

Officers responded to the Buttonwood Apartments in the 2900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue around 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning for reports of a man down.

Police arrived and found 40-year-old Cory J. Holmes lying in an interior hallway at the complex with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators continued to search the complex and found 39-year-old Marquetta Y. Harris inside one of the units suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Paramedics took her to VCU Medical Center where she later died from her injuries.

Police Chief Alfred Durham told CBS 6 officers also found a preschool-aged girl inside the apartment with the wounded woman. "I spoke with her but she's not saying anything, she looks to be about two to three years old," Durham said.

The girl was not hurt.

"Unfortunately it's a rough start to the year," said Durham. "This is the homicide number 10 (11 after the female victim died in the hospital) compared to two (this time) last year. So we have some  issues, some concerns but we're optimistic it will slow down."

Richmond police said the investigation is in the early stages and they don't know the cause or the motive of the shootings.

Detectives are following strong leads in the case and ask anyone with information is asked to either call Major Crime Detective Conrad Simms at (804) 646-0712 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Neighbor reaction 

Mikea Cooper, whose sister lives next door to the victims, said she was shocked when she heard the tragic details that unfolded at the Northside apartment complex.

"It's very sad what happened. They were nice people,” said Cooper. "It was just a big surprise to me.”

Cooper told CBS 6 her sister lives in the unit next door to the victims and she would see them often.

"I see them...you know...they speak.  It's always a friendly hi and bye,” she added.

Cooper, who has a two year old of her own, said she is concerned that the toddler may have seen the shootings.

"They remember those things.  What a child hears and sees, they take that on,” she said.

Cooper and people living along Chamberlayne Avenue are hopeful detectives will track down the shooter for the sake of the victims.

"Whoever did it, I hope they find the person, so his family and her family can have closure,” said Cooper.

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