On the morning of August 16, 2016, 24-year-old James Edward Scooter Byrd, a Black male, was shot and killed inside his home in Saint Stephens Church, Virginia. His younger brother, who was in the house, was awakened by the disturbance, saw a hooded person leaving and a car speeding away, then ran to a neighbor’s to call for help. Deputies from the King and Queen County Sheriff’s Office found Byrd deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators reported no signs of forced entry and a porch lightbulb had been unscrewed, suggesting the attackers took steps to remain unseen. A witness inside the residence heard several suspects, and authorities believe there was a single shooter accompanied by accomplices acting as lookouts. The murder weapon was recovered in Richmond and matched by laboratory analysis, but no arrests have been announced.

The King and Queen County Sheriff’s Office, with help from the Virginia State Police and the FBI, continue to investigate. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. If anyone knew James, his movements that night, or saw a hooded person or a car leaving the area, please share what was seen.