Sandra Powell-Wyche

Sandra Lavern Powell-Wyche, a 49-year-old Black woman known to friends and family as “Sand,” was a bright and joyful soul who dedicated her life to caring for others. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1971, she grew up in Emporia, Virginia, and graduated from Greensville County High School. Sandra pursued a career in nursing, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, a job she was deeply passionate about. She was remembered by loved ones for having one of the biggest hearts and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. At the time of her death, she was a beloved member of the nursing staff at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, where her employer said she "brought joy to those she served and those with whom she served." Sandra had married Curtis Rashawn Wyche, 36, in August 2019.

In mid-December 2020, concern grew when Sandra, a dependable employee, failed to show up for her job. This uncharacteristic absence prompted Richmond Police to conduct a welfare check at her home in the 4300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue on the night of Tuesday, December 15. Police initially issued a missing persons alert for Sandra and her husband, Curtis, stating they could be in danger. The search came to a tragic end the following day, Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Inside the home they shared, detectives discovered the bodies of both Sandra and Curtis. Both had been shot to death.

The double homicide investigation quickly focused on a suspect who was tragically close to the family. Richmond Police arrested Sandra’s son, Trevon Powell, then in his 20s, in connection with the deaths of his mother and stepfather. He was initially charged with homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, with police indicating that additional charges were pending. A small memorial of flowers and condolences soon appeared outside the couple's apartment building as neighbors and friends reeled from the shocking news.

Neighbors described the family as quiet, and the arrest of Sandra's own son sent a wave of disbelief through the community. A former co-worker of Sandra’s recalled her sweet and smiling nature, telling a local news outlet, "Whenever I was having a bad day she made me laugh and that’s what I will miss about her - that smile.” Curtis had recently started a new job at a nearby convenience store. The motive for the killings was not made public by investigators.

The case against Trevon Powell moved through the justice system, and he was held without bond in the Richmond city jail. While initial reports detailed the arrest and charges, the final disposition of the case brought a somber resolution. In April 2022, Trevon Powell appeared in a Richmond courtroom and pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for killing his mother, Sandra Powell-Wyche, and his stepfather, Curtis Wyche. News reports following the plea revealed that the couple's bodies had been found hidden in a crawl space beneath the stairs of the home they all shared.

The guilty plea brought the legal proceedings to a close, confirming the identity of the person responsible for ending the lives of Sandra and Curtis. Sandra was remembered in her obituary as a beautiful soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met. She and Curtis were laid to rest, forever missed by their family, friends, and the many lives they had touched. Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Richmond Police Department detectives or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.