Three arrested and charged in Shockoe Bottom shooting

Three residents of Henrico County have been arrested and charged for the murders of two individuals killed in a Shockoe Bottom shooting that occurred in late February, said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards.

Drevon Jackson-Brown, 25, was arrested “just minutes” before the press briefing Saturday afternoon, Edwards said. He was charged with first degree murder, malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (two counts). Carlos Johnson Jr., 26, was also arrested Thursday night, and was charged with the exact same crimes. 

Shaquan Morris, 22, was arrested early Friday morning and was charged with first degree and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (two counts). 

“This was an incredibly difficult crime scene to manage. This was an incredibly complicated case. That’s why it took us two weeks,” Edwards said.

The shooting took the lives of Genesis Jones, 23, of Petersburg and Dominic Antoine Jackson, 42, of Henrico. Edwards confirmed that Dominic Antoine Jackson is the brother of Dreveon Jackson-Brown. Seven other individuals were injured and are no longer in life-threatening conditions, he added. Victims’ families have been notified.

Edwards has previously said that the shooting that “ended in over 50 shots fired” stemmed from a fight between two groups of people occurring outside of a club after it had closed early Saturday morning on Feb. 21. He could not share what led to the altercation as the investigation is ongoing. He said he believes the three suspects are responsible for the murders, but added that there are likely other individuals who had firearms and discharged them that night. 

Richmond Commonwealth Attorney Colette McEachin said that while she cannot talk specifically about the perpetrators' cases, all three individuals will go through the public criminal justice process and will be brought to court and arraigned on Monday. 

When asked, Edwards said Flock automatic license plate readers and gunshot detectors “were used very effectively” in finding the suspects, adding that officers usually inspect the cameras when critical incidents happen. 

“It is a tool that is used every day in our city to great effect,” he said.

Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped serve as “support roles” in the case by establishing a tip line and analyzing evidence, officials said. Henrico County Police, Petersburg Police and the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control have also taken part in the investigation. 

The Shockoe area is currently under intense surveillance with increased police presence from officers familiar with the area, more cameras and more lights, as requested by local business owners who have met with city leaders, said City Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District). 

Edwards said it is difficult to enforce Shockoe Bottom as a “gun-free zone,” as the district has become more residential. 

“How do you stop someone from possessing a firearm in the area in which they live?” he said. 

For years, Shockoe Bottom and the adjacent Shockoe Slip has become a hotspot for guns, as hundreds have been stolen from cars, with some individuals openly carrying and shooting firearms. Edwards warned that individuals walking around with an illegal firearm will be charged and prosecuted. 

Reporters also asked about the city’s gun violence prevention office and a potential ambassador program. Greg Hopkins, director of the office, said that the ambassadors would be people who work with nightclub owners, promoters and DJs, tasked with promoting peace and spreading awareness about the campaign. 

Mayor Danny Avula, along with Edwards and other Richmond officials present, asked for individuals to keep their guns at home when going out in the city, especially in Shockoe Bottom. 

“This is an incident that just did not need to happen. This was a conflict that was fueled by alcohol that was escalated by quick access to guns," Avula said.

He continued, “I want people to know that you are welcome, but your guns are not.”

Edwards reinforced the message, adding that the suspects involved “are not hardened criminals.

“These are people that brought guns to a social event, found themselves in a situation and made a terrible decision that cost two people their lives and wounded other people.” 

He suggested that individuals who feel the need to take a firearm with them to a social event to feel safe should not go at all. He added that individuals “cannot engage in a normal fight” when they are armed, and to prevent conflicts by walking away. 

“Every murder I’ve ever investigated is tragic, but it’s even worse when it’s pointless,” he said.

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org