JayWan Lonnell Riley was 15 and a freshman at George Wythe High School when he was fatally shot on the afternoon of Thursday, April 8, 2021, on Afton Avenue in South Richmond. Described by family as loving, kind, protective and a longtime youth football player at the Calhoun Center, he was also a member of the school Bulldogs and remembered for a bright smile. JayWan’s mother said he died while protecting his girlfriend. The shooting prompted a prayer vigil where relatives and friends gathered and family members urged people not to write off young victims who live in tough neighborhoods.

The Richmond Police Department investigated and arrested a 14-year-old male who was charged with murder in connection with JayWan’s death. Anyone who knew JayWan or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.