54-year-old man identified as Richmond's 43rd homicide victim
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - One person is dead after a shooting near a convenience store in South Richmond on Monday around 9 p.m.
Richmond Police say an off-duty officer was flagged down by a man shot in the chest near the Grab & Go convenience store at the intersection of Bells Road and Jefferson Davis Highway.
The shooting victim -- James "Jimmy" T. Bishop, 54 -- was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
He was shot while riding his lawnmower in the area. Witnesses say Bishop would often mow lawns for friends and neighbors, simply because he enjoyed doing so.
Many businesses along the stretch also befriended Bishop, who would always stop to chat. Although his friends say he had cognitive challenges, he lived his life helping others, according to those who knew him.
Part of Bells Road was closed in the area while police searched the scene Monday night.
There is no suspect description at this time.
Detectives ask that anyone who was in the area of Castlewood Avenue and Bells Road between 8:30 and 8:50 p.m. Monday who may have witnessed a man on a lawnmower or any suspicious activity to contact them at (804) 646-6996 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
Monday's homicide marks the 43rd homicide in Richmond in 2016.
Coming up on 12News, Kelly Avellino has more from friends and family about Bishop.
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