Actions

Grandson of bloodied Henrico woman found dead now a person of interest

Posted at 2:45 PM, Dec 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-30 18:06:30-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico Police have now said that the grandson of an 81-year-old woman found dead Tuesday night is considered a person of interest in the homicide.

Once the driver of the vehicle saw the officer, he accelerated rapidly leading to a pursuit by officers.

Once the driver of the vehicle saw the officer, he accelerated rapidly leading to a pursuit by officers.

The sister and great niece of the victim confirmed the victim’s name is Bertha Bernice Pannell. Pannell was found dead and bloody on the floor of the home, in the 3900 block of East Chatham in North Henrico.  According to her family, she lived there with her grandson, Ricardo Green. According to court records, Green is 47, and his birthday was the day his grandmother was found dead.

Police have confirmed to CBS 6 Green had emergency protective order filed against him after being arrested for domestic assault on his grandmother on November 10, 2015. His grandmother did suffer injuries in the alleged assault.

Ricardo Green

Ricardo Green

Court records show he's also had numerous other encounters with the law.

In 2001, he was sentenced to nine years on a malicious wounding charge. He stabbed his girlfriend in the neck with a screwdriver, according to court documents.

That same year he was in court on charges for grand larceny and attempt to elude police.

Green also had a previous forgery charge on his record, for which he was given a two-year sentence.

In 2013, he was sentenced to seven months, with 9 years and five months suspended, for two drug charges – possession of schedule I or II and III drugs.

Tuesday incident

Police said at around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, a vehicle driven by Green was spotted by Richmond Police officer.  Once Green saw the officer, he accelerated rapidly, which led to a police pursuit.

The vehicle crashed on Staples Mill Rd. near Thalbro St., where it left the roadway and struck a power pole. Green was transported to the hospital with injuries and remains there currently.

The vehicle crashed on Staples Mill Rd. near Thalbro St. where it left the roadway and struck a power pole.

The vehicle crashed on Staples Mill Rd. near Thalbro St. where it left the roadway and struck a power pole.

Family says grandmother would do "anything for them."

Bertha Bernice Pannell

Bertha Bernice Pannell

Pannell suffered what police said was obvious signs of trauma. Her death is considered a homicide.

"She's a very sweet person,” said Doris Wingfield, Pannell’s younger sister.  “She'd do anything for you and she looked out for that grandson.”

"It has hit all of us,” said Leslie Kerr, the victim’s niece.  “Bernice would do anything for all of us."

A prayer circle formed beside Pannell's Henrico home.  Her family prayed that a higher power would make things right.  "We are going to pray and leave this situation with god because she is with him now,” said Kerr. “This won't tear our family apart, but it will bring us closer together.

Police ask if you have any information please contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.