On the evening of December 20, 2021, gunfire erupted in the 700 block of Richmond Highway in Richmond, Virginia. At about 7:09 p.m., officers found 26-year-old Christopher Barnes unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Richmond Police Department identified him publicly and opened a homicide investigation.

Known to many as Noonie, Barnes was a Richmond native and a George Wythe High School graduate who held a welding certification. Family remembered him as a devoted father, loving son, protective brother and a straightforward, strong-minded person who valued time at home with loved ones.

Detectives from the Major Crimes unit are investigating, and authorities asked anyone with information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers. If anyone knew Christopher, saw activity on Richmond Highway that evening, or has information, please come forward. Please share any tips with the detectives or the anonymous tip line.