RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Some South Richmond residents said a string of vehicle break-ins took place around the same time a Hanover 16-year-old was fatally shot in an alley.
CBS 6 spoke exclusively with one neighbor who said police recently knocked on her door and informed her that her car had been broken into.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous knowing the vandals are still on the loose, told CBS 6 that her car was one of two vehicles targeted this week on McRand Street.
"They took CD's and just ransacked it," the victim said.
She said that this is the second time her car had been broken into and that thieves targeted her neighbor's car as well.
"I'm kind of tired of it… People work hard for their belongings -- and nobody should have to take the time to go through this," she said.
After the break-ins, a police mobile surveillance trailer was spotted on the block Friday. Officers said the trailer is a crime deterrent and investigative tool.
Sources close to the investigation said that Robert Lee Fox was found shot to death on McRand Street early Tuesday morning about the same time that car break-ins were reported on that street. However, Richmond police are not confirming that.
Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring told CBS 6 News that they're looking into whether the incident may have been an act of self-defense.
CBS 6 legal expert Todd Stone explained what it takes to prove such a case.
"Did they reasonably believe that other people had a gun and if so what are the facts that help them support that belief. You can never use deadly force to defend property," Stone said.
Investigators said they know who shot the teen and are not pressing charges at this time.
Richmond Commonwealth's attorney Mike Herring said that because of the circumstance surrounding this case, it is unlikely the evidence will go before a grand jury until April.
Stay with WTVR.com and CBS 6 News for the latest updates on this developing story.
