‘We live in fear:’ Resident speaks out about south Richmond apartment complex following deadly shooting

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - “We’re scared. We live in fear.”

Some residents at Belt Atlantic Apartments are terrified to live in their own homes following a shooting that left a 16-year-old boy dead.

“Mothers are burying their children and no mother should have to bury their child,” said one resident, who wanted to remain anonymous in case of retaliation.

They have lived at the Belt Atlantic for four years because it’s only place they could afford with a child.

However, they said the neighborhood is anything but family friendly.

“It’s supposed to be a gated community, but everyone has access to it. Not only does everyone have access to it, both sides of the gates open year round. There’s no security, there’s no safety. People are losing their lives,” they said.

Saturday’s deadly shooting is similar to another in 2021. That time, it was a shootout that left an innocent mother and her baby dead.

The resident said that all too often, neighbors are offered resources to help, only to find out they don’t qualify.

Community activist Cruz Sherman said churches even offer to help relocate them, but many can’t afford to move.

“It’s not that the resources are not necessarily there, but you have to be able to help yourself,” he said.

The resident said they plan on moving, but one of the biggest challenges has been finding a job.

“(When) the numeric portion of your street address being 4000, I believe sometimes it may be harder for you to get a job or an apartment somewhere else when you’re coming from this environment,” they said.

This has become an unescapable loop for many of the Belt Atlantic residents.

“There’s really no outlet,” they said.

They hope more is done to help the people who live in this community.

“Y’all say that y’all are around, but where are y’all? We are aware of what’s going on. The news is aware, the people are aware. When is enough enough?” the said.

12 On Your Side reached out to property management to address some of these concerns, but hasn’t heard back.