Veka Shawn Chham, a 30-year-old male resident of Fresno, California, was shot in an upstairs room of a home in the 5700 block of Thorndale Lane in Richmond on February 9, 2016. Police were called for reports of gunfire around 10 p.m.; Chham was taken to a hospital and died of his injuries. Another man, Akeen J. Williams, was found dead on the first floor, and Williams’ death was later ruled a justifiable homicide after review with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

Richmond investigators charged 34-year-old Japell L. Christian of Henrico with Chham’s murder. The indictment included murder, attempted robbery, abduction, three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Christian was already in custody on an unrelated matter as of February 17, 2016. Investigators said they believed the incident may have been drug-related and asked the public for information.

If anyone knew Veka Shawn Chham, Akeen Williams, or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.