Ryshawn Jackson

Ryshawn Maurice Jackson, known to many by his nickname “Black,” was a young man with his future ahead of him. At 20 years old, the Richmond, Virginia native was known by family and friends for his personality, his sense of humor, and his loyalty. He was a caring person who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, and his presence was a source of light in his community. His death left a void that is still deeply felt by his family, friends, and all who had the chance to know him during his brief life.

The holiday season of 2011 was shattered by tragedy when Ryshawn’s life was violently taken. Just before midnight on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011, officers from the Richmond Police Department were dispatched to the 3600 block of Meadowbridge Road in the city’s Highland Park neighborhood. They had received a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, they discovered Ryshawn, a young Black man, on the ground outside, suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics quickly transported him to a local hospital, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. A family’s Christmas was forever marked by grief, and a community was left searching for answers.

The investigation into Ryshawn’s murder began immediately. Richmond Police Department detectives canvassed the area, interviewing potential witnesses and searching for any evidence, such as surveillance footage, that could point to a suspect. In the initial hours and days, however, the investigation struggled to gain traction. Information about a possible motive or the identity of the shooter was not forthcoming. Witnesses in late-night shootings can be few, and those who do see something are often hesitant to speak with law enforcement. Despite the detectives' efforts, the leads dried up, and the case eventually grew cold.

In the more than a decade that has passed since Ryshawn was killed, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. His death is one of a number of homicides from that year in Richmond that remain unsolved, each representing a story cut short and a family left without closure. The pain of his loss has been compounded by the persistent lack of answers about who was responsible for his death and why it happened. His loved ones have had to endure years of not knowing, holding on to the hope that justice will one day be served.

Friends and family have worked to keep Ryshawn’s memory alive through online tributes and memorials, sharing photos and memories that paint a picture of a life full of promise. These remembrances speak volumes about the impact of his absence on his community. The case itself remains a stark reminder of the devastating toll of gun violence, which disproportionately affects young Black men in cities across the country. The trauma of such an act ripples outward, touching not just the immediate family but the entire neighborhood.

As of October 2026, the investigation into the murder of Ryshawn Maurice Jackson is still classified as an active and open cold case by the Richmond Police Department. Detectives periodically revisit the file, hoping that new technology or a witness with a change of heart will provide the breakthrough they need. The department continues to appeal to the public for help, emphasizing that even a seemingly small or insignificant detail could be the key to solving the crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Richmond Police Department homicide detectives at (804) 646-6741 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, where tips can be submitted anonymously.