True Crime

“Thou Shall Not Kill.” There is no ambiguity in the sixth commandment, yet historical evidence makes it clear that a long line of murderers have inhabited the earth since the beginning of time. The famous biblical story of Cain and Abel details the first known homicide, an illicit death perpetrated by a jealous sibling. Today, as in the past, the unlawful killing of one person by another remains a calamity upon both our spirit and our soul.  

Sadly, Richmond, Virginia (RVA) has not been immune to the bloody shortcomings of man. From the indigenous Native Americans, to Henricus colonists, to current-day residents, we are forced to grapple with the scourge of unlawfully spilled blood running in our streets. RVA, though no different from other major metropolitan regions, knows all too well the loss of mortal capital steadily draining the essence and spirit of our human existence. 

Evil motives have remained consistent throughout time. Sex, power, greed, revenge, or jealousy can be found in nearly all of the criminal killings in our history. Arguments, fights, and robberies have also historically played a significant role in RVA’s murderous landscape. By 1994, guns, drugs, and gangs catapulted Richmond, Virginia into the dubious distinction of being the second deadliest city - per capita – IN THE NATION. 

For more than 40-years, Steve Neal (Lawman) & Jon Burkett (Crime Reporter) have had a front-row seat to blood, guts, and tears in RVA. We have sampled the fear, horror, and terror found in our midst. Jon and Steve have a personal connection to each of the cases detailed in this book. The pages that follow will take you behind the crime scene tape for a peek into some of the Capital City’s most infamous criminal incidents. 

Our featured narratives were not chosen because they are all inclusive of our professional experiences, but instead, they are showcased because the circumstances of the cases were enormously impactful. The “Story Behind the Story” segment that follows each crime case exposes fascinating backstage details, and highlights heroic behavior from everyday citizens who never planned on becoming a witness to evil. 

Prepare to swallow the lump in your throat as you enter our world. Along the way, be careful not to contaminate evidence by stepping in a pool of wet blood. The emotional heartache and suffering that you are about to encounter will very likely bring tears to your eyes. If you listen intently, like us, you may hear blameless victims screaming out for justice!