RICHMOND, Va .-- Monday was a difficult day for local community organizer Ricky Johnson and his friends and family.
First, they learned the tragic news that his uncle had been shot to death in front of his niece’s house in Richmond.
Only to be followed by the inexplicable shooting of a 3-year-old girl at the St. Luke’s Apartments in Henrico County, a community he often serves.
Shattered glass and strands of crime tape mark the spot where 81-year-old Willie "Bo" Johnson was killed while parked outside his niece’s Fulton home early Monday morning.
The retired man loved to be around family, and if he couldn't sleep, he would travel to family member's homes to see if the lights were on.
"Hug a loved one, you know, he was a loveable person,” said Johnson. “He enjoyed family. Don't let something stop you from making the phone call to check on your loved ones, because something has happened. Don't let this hit your family like it has hit mine.”
Several miles away and unrelated to Johnson’s killing, another shooting took place in the St. Luke’s community, an apartment complex that Ricky Johnson and his ministry visit to share love and fellowship.
Crime Insider sources confirm the toddler was critically injured after she was shot in her backside.
After an argument outside, a gun battle erupted and a bullet came through her door, where she was napping on a couch.
"We don't even understand how to resolve conflict,” said family Pastor Valorie Coley. “We have to improve our conflict resolution skills. Instead of funding this foolishness, let's fund grassroots programs to understand the nature of these communities and can help them learn how to solve conflicts.”
CI sources say the girl is in critical but stable condition at VCU Medical Center.
If you have any information about her case or about the killing of Willie Bo Johnson, call Crimestoppers at 780-1000.
