RICHMOND, Va. – An arrest has been made in a February homicide where two men were found dead. The suspect is charged with one count of murder, and the other death has been ruled a justifiable homicide.
The Richmond Police Department has charged a Henrico man with homicide for the shooting on Thorndale Lane in February.
Japell L. Christian, 34, of the 5700 block of Yates Lane in Henrico, has been charged with murder, attempted robbery, abduction, use of firearm in commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon.
At approximately 9:52 p.m., Feb. 9, officers were called to 5748 Thorndale Lane for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived and located two males in the residence that were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Veka “Shawn” Chham, 30, of the 300 block of South Dearing Avenue, Fresno, California, was located in an upstairs room.
Christian has been charged for Chham’s murder.
The other male, Akeem J. Williams, 30, of the 300 block of East 11th Street, Richmond, was found dead on the first floor of the building. Originally classified as a death investigation, it has been ruled a justifiable homicide after a thorough investigation and consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Christian has been in custody since Feb. 17, on an unrelated charge.
Detectives ask anyone with further information on this incident or this suspect to call Major Crimes Detective Jon Bridges at (804) 646-4494 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.
Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
