‘It’s a tragedy’: 1 dead after shooting at Richmond cemetery

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - One person was shot and killed at a funeral on Wednesday afternoon in Richmond.

Numerous police officers were called to the scene in the 3100 block of Nine Mile Road at Oakwood Cemetery just after 2:40 p.m. for the report of a person shot.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards says they believe a shooting broke out after two attendees got into an argument before the casket was in the ground, saying this is something he’s never seen before.

“I’ve been here 26 years. I’ve never seen a crime scene while there’s still the casket of a body that can’t be buried until this crime scene’s finished. So that’s a new kind of low,” he said.

Chief Edwards says one man was shot and taken to the hospital, where he later died, calling the situation senseless and tragic.

“It’s a tragedy,” he said. “A person that shows up to grieve and mourn a loved one is now dead himself.”

Family members confirmed that a funeral was taking place at the time of the shooting. Police say that the person for whom the ceremony was held died of natural causes.

No suspect information has been confirmed yet, but police are asking for the community’s help to find the suspect.