James Larrelle Thomas, 40, was shot and killed in Hopewell, Virginia, on the afternoon of May 13, 2024. Known to friends and family as Pope or Relle, Thomas was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1000 block of Edward Bland Court after police were called around 2:55 p.m. He was taken to TriCities Hospital but died of his injuries. This was reported as the city’s first homicide of the year.

The Hopewell Police Department opened a homicide investigation and has been asking the public for help. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about Thomas that could assist investigators, please contact the Hopewell Police Department.