In the heart of Richmond’s East End, a vibrant life was extinguished far too soon. Keyonna Ford, a 28-year-old woman known for her warmth and spirit, was fatally shot on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in a tragedy that has left her family and community reeling. The incident, which unfolded in the early afternoon on Fairfield Avenue, has sparked grief, outrage, and renewed calls for action against the persistent scourge of gun violence in the city.
Richmond Police were dispatched to the 2100 block of Fairfield Avenue at approximately 2:42 p.m. following a distressing report of a person down. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ford inside a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders worked swiftly to transport her to a local hospital, where medical staff fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, Ford succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a void that her loved ones describe as immeasurable.
The Richmond Police Department’s Major Crimes Division has taken the lead in investigating Ford’s death, working meticulously to uncover the circumstances that led to this devastating loss. Detectives are combing through evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and following every available lead. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not disclosed details about possible suspects or the motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains active, with police emphasizing the critical role of community cooperation in bringing clarity and justice to the case.
Authorities have issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at 804-814-7123. For those hesitant to come forward, police have stressed that tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or via the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app. Every detail, no matter how small, could prove pivotal in piecing together the events that led to Ford’s death.
Ford’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Fairfield Court neighborhood, a public housing community where residents are all too familiar with the sound of gunfire. Her death marks another somber chapter in Richmond’s ongoing struggle with violent crime, which has claimed numerous lives in recent years. According to city data, homicides in Richmond have seen a troubling uptick, with 2025 already recording multiple fatalities in the first four months alone. Ford’s case, in particular, has struck a chord due to its heartbreaking details and the senselessness of the act.
Community members have begun to rally in response, with local leaders and residents calling for stronger measures to address the root causes of gun violence. Conversations about enhanced community policing, youth outreach programs, and investment in social services are gaining traction as neighbors seek solutions to prevent further tragedies. Ford, described by those who knew her as a loving daughter and friend, has become a poignant symbol of the urgent need for change.
As the investigation continues, the Richmond Police Department has committed to providing updates on significant developments while maintaining a thorough and transparent process. For now, Ford’s family is left to navigate their grief, supported by a community that shares their sorrow and their resolve. Her memory, and the call for justice in her name, will not fade quietly into the night.
