On the evening of September 16, 2016, 31-year-old James D. Williams, a Black male, was found unresponsive from a gunshot wound on a sidewalk in the Gilpin Court neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. Emergency crews from the Richmond Ambulance Authority responded but Williams was pronounced dead at the scene; the Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound.

Investigators identified a suspect quickly. With assistance from the Henrico Police Department and tips from the public, 27-year-old Mark A. Cephas was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon while authorities indicated additional charges were being considered. The shooting was recorded as the city’s 42nd killing for 2016, a figure cited in discussions about rising violence and calls for stronger prevention and community engagement.

If anyone knew James Williams or has information about the shooting, please share what can help the investigation.