James JJ R. Griffin III, a 22-year-old Black man from Roanoke, Virginia who attended Winston-Salem State University, was killed by gunfire on the evening of July 10, 2023, in Roanoke. Police found Griffin dead when they arrived and opened an investigation into the shooting.

An 18-year-old, JaZion Robertson, was arrested and charged with murder and two additional felony offenses; he was arraigned in Roanoke General District Court on July 12. Two more people, Nathaneal I. Keith and Cydney B. Williams, were later arrested and charged with felony offenses connected to the homicide. As of August 2023, the cases against the three defendants were moving through the court system. James’s father, James R. Griffin Jr., said he had questions but was relieved someone was in custody.

If anyone knew James, his routines, or saw activity in Roanoke on the evening of July 10, 2023, please come forward with information.