On the morning of September 15, 2024, Henrico Police responded to the 100 block of South Cedar Avenue in the Varina District after reports of gunfire. At about 11:36 a.m. officers found 30-year-old James Lawitz in the side yard of a residence; he had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lawitz was a native of the Albany, New York area who had moved to Henrico. A standout football player in high school and college, he later worked as a teacher, personal trainer, and coach. He had recently passed the written and physical exams required to join a Virginia fire department.

On September 16, Henrico County police arrested an 18-year-old, Troy Vincent Charran Jr., charging him with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Police have not released a possible motive and the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone in the Varina area knew James or saw activity near South Cedar Avenue that morning, please share what you know.