A shooting at the LaFayette Gardens apartment complex on Richmond, Virginia’s Southside left one man dead and another injured late Saturday night, September 28, 2024. The Richmond Police Department was called to the 2200 block of Ruffin Road just before 10 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. The incident has shocked the local community, as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
When police arrived on the scene, they discovered 29-year-old Malcolm Coleman lying unresponsive in the parking lot with a gunshot wound. Officers attempted to administer aid, and Coleman was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, Coleman was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities are awaiting the results from the Medical Examiner to determine the official cause of death.
In a related development, police learned shortly afterward that another man had been transported to Chippenham Hospital in a personal vehicle. This second victim, who has not been publicly identified, was also suffering from a gunshot wound. His injuries were not considered life-threatening and he is expected to recover. Investigators later confirmed that this man was injured during the same shooting incident at the LaFayette Gardens apartment.
The shooting, which claimed Coleman’s life and left another man wounded, has prompted police to intensify their investigation. Currently, there are no suspects in custody, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Witness reports indicate that several people were present at the time of the shooting, suggesting there may be more information yet to be uncovered.
Some witnesses have said that the shooting may have taken place after a gathering or party at the apartment complex. According to these reports, “there may have been a party” on the backside of LaFayette Gardens, closer to Summer Hill Avenue, when gunfire erupted. This area of the complex became the focal point of the police investigation on Saturday night, with detectives and forensic teams carefully combing through the scene for evidence.
The parking lot, where Coleman was found, became a central point of interest for investigators. Crime scene tape marked off the area as detectives from the Major Crimes division worked to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The fatal shooting has left many residents of the LaFayette Gardens apartments shaken and concerned for their safety. Several neighbors expressed their shock at the level of violence in the area. While Richmond has seen its share of crime, this particular shooting has struck a chord, especially because it occurred at a large gathering where many people were reportedly present.
Some residents are now calling for increased security measures at the complex, citing the need for better lighting, more visible surveillance cameras, and a stronger police presence to deter future incidents.
The Richmond Police Department has responded to these concerns by increasing patrols in the area, especially around the LaFayette Gardens apartments and nearby streets. Officials have also promised to conduct community outreach efforts to address residents’ fears and work collaboratively with them to improve neighborhood safety.
Richmond authorities are actively investigating whether the shooting was targeted or if it resulted from a confrontation that escalated during the party. While no concrete leads have been made public, investigators remain hopeful that someone in the community will step forward with crucial information.