Actions

Community remembers Shantisha Dortch, killed in murder-suicide

Posted at 11:06 PM, Oct 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-05 23:22:54-04

RICHMOND, Va. - The Hillside community came together Wednesday evening to remember a beloved mother, daughter and granddaughter who was taken too soon.

Shantisha Dortch, known as Tisha to friends, was the victim of a murder suicide early Sunday morning.

Neighbors said the the couple had gotten into a fight when the shooting happened.

Shantisha Dortch

Shantisha Dortch

Shantisha's grandmother, Ersell Dortch said she wants people to know that violence is never the answer. She also stressed the importance of always going to someone if you know of someone dealing with domestic violence.

"Killing, that's so final and it's unnecessary," said Dortch. "There are two lives gone, and two children without a mother and a father."

While it's a difficult time, family and friends made sure to focus on the good times with Shantisha, sharing memories of the 29-year-old mother and even dancing to her favorite song Wednesday night.

Community remembers Shantisha Dortch

"She was a good mother, a good mother," said Shantisha's friend.

Hillside Court murder-suicide 

On October 2, neighbors called police around 5 a.m. after they heard shots fired during what police said was a domestic situation in a Hillside Court apartment in the 1600 block of Glenfield Avenue.

When officers arrived, an armed male suspect, identified as 30-year-old Brian A. Harris, was holed up inside the residence and refused to come out.

As officers approached the apartment, one of the units heard a gunshot from inside the home, according to officers.

hillsidecourt2

Police said they backed off, established a perimeter and called the Richmond SWAT Team  to assist. Some neighbors in surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.

More officers arrived a short time  later. Police said attempts to contact the people inside failed.

When units reported hearing a second gunshot, the SWAT team entered the home.

Officers discovered Harris and 29-year-old Shantisha L. Dortch dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

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.