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Friends continue mission of mother who ‘died of broken heart’

Posted at 7:13 PM, Sep 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-30 19:17:34-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Elka Johnson planned to honor her son's life with a motorcycle ride after he was murdered during an early Tuesday morning.

Jakeem Johnson was just 26 years old when he was found shot on Lynhaven Avenue on Feb. 7, 2016. He later died at the hospital.

Jakeem Johnson

Jakeem Johnson

Elka loved hanging out with her friends in the Richmond social motorcycle club Lady Unity Rydaz. They were her support system during the tough times.

"She would smile so big," Elka's friend, Tasha, remembered.

Through the smiles, Elka grieved living a life without her son. Sadly, Elka passed away on July 24, 2017, from a heart attack at 46 years old.

"She died of a broken heart," Chelsea Wimbush cried.

Elka Johnson

Elka Johnson

Wimbush and Jakeem were parents to three of his four children.

"Jakeem and I had a friendship that was unbreakable," Wimbush said.

Elka's support system knew they had to complete her plans to honor both Jakeem and Elka.

Dozens gathered at Broad Rock Park on Warick Road Saturday morning for Elka's "Take Your Community Back Ride."

Richmond Police and motorcycle clubs from across the region rode in a procession from the park through Richmond's public housing communities ending at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

"Put the guns down," Wimbush said. "You have to wake up and realize you can be gone within the blink of an eye."

Dozens gathered at Broad Rock Park

Dozens gathered at Broad Rock Park

Elka dreamed of ending the senseless violence that took her son. His killer is still on the run.

Anyone with information about this vehicle or this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Sgt. Michael Mocello at 804-646-6775 or 804-814-4233.  The public can also contact Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

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.

Anyone with a news tip can submit that information here.

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