On the morning of June 20, 2018, the body of 47-year-old Umar Abdus Salaam was found by a passing motorist on the side of Boydton Plank Road in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Salaam, a Petersburg resident and co-owner of Zoe’s Bubbles and Sudz Detailing near the scene, had been shot and was pronounced dead after being taken to Southside Regional Medical Center.

Investigators arrested three people in connection with the killing: 24-year-old Thornell Sledge of Petersburg, 25-year-old Caleb Q. Smith of Newport News, and 18-year-old Jhanae Short of Petersburg. A grand jury later indicted all three on first-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The suspects were held without bail at Meherrin River Regional Jail.

Salaam’s business partner described him as welcoming and helpful, and the community reacted with shock to his violent death. If anyone knew Umar, his routines, or saw activity around Boydton Plank Road that morning, please share what might help the investigation.