HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- The murder of Lucia Bremer, the eighth-grader who was killed in her Gayton Forest West subdivision last week, was not racially motivated or gang-related, according to Herico Police.
Officials with the police department called "speculations" that the murder was being investigated as a hate crime or gang-related "unfounded."
"It is early in the investigation, however, there is no evidence indicating this crime was racially motivated." officials with the department posted Wednesday afternoon on Twitter. "There is also no evidence to suggest the suspect, victim, or witnesses were involved in gang activity."
Regarding recent homicide on Hickoryridge Road: Speculations have been made that this case is being investigated as a hate crime or as gang-related. These are unfounded.
— Henrico Police (@HenricoPolice) March 31, 2021
Additionally, police said that if more witnesses come forward, the department may not release those details publicly for the sake of the investigation and court proceedings.
"The determination of the suspect being tried as a juvenile or adult is made by Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney," the department noted.
Police warned Sunday that "inaccurate messages" about the case were being posted on social media.
Henrico Police Chief Eric English said that "while homicide investigations are complex and must be investigated thoroughly with a great deal of follow up, at this stage of the investigation, these allegations have no validity or credibility."
Police have not yet said what may have prompted the shooting.
"With many unanswered questions, our investigative staff is working tirelessly and are still in the early stages of reviewing this case. Investigators must continue their work in sync with the State's Medical Examiner's Office, the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney, witnesses, and with the victim's family," police said Sunday.
RELATED: Memorial honors slain Quioccasin Middle School student Lucia Bremer
Remembering Lucia
Lucia Bremer's family posted about their daughter on the Liberty Tree Farm Facebook page.
"Liberty Tree Farm is saddened to report that our beloved daughter and joyful farmer, Lucia Whalen Bremer, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence on March 26,"
the post read. "Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts as we navigate the next few weeks."
The farm is registered to Lucia's father Jonathan Bremer, according to state business filings.
Lucia Bremer, who attended Quioccasin Middle School, was walking with a friend along Hickoryridge Road in the Gayton Forest West subdivision around 4:30 p.m. when someone approached the girls and shot Bremer, according to police. Bremer was pronounced deceased later that evening.
The gunman ran away from the shooting scene.
Investigators initially put out an alert to neighbors about an armed and dangerous gunman on the run.
Police used the reverse 911 system to alert the community.
This continues to be a developing story. Anyone with information about the case asked to call Henrico Police at 804-501-5794. Additionally, police said anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious, should call 804-501-5000.
