Community Mourns Jazmin Wooten-Mitchell After Deadly Police Encounter in Richmond’s Southside Neighborhood

 Residents in Richmond are reeling after a 31-year-old mother, Jazmin Wooten-Mitchell, was fatally shot during an officer-involved incident at the Belt Atlantic Apartments on Thursday evening. Authorities say the situation unfolded in the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike after reports of a shooting in progress drew police to the complex. The incident has left neighbors shaken and raised urgent questions as investigators continue piecing together what happened.

Officers were dispatched Thursday evening around 6:47 p.m. to Belt Atlantic Apartments after multiple emergency calls reported gunfire, according to police. When they arrived, authorities said they heard additional shots and moved through the building, where they encountered an adult woman reportedly armed with a firearm. The confrontation escalated quickly, ending with an officer firing and striking the woman, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said officers issued commands for the woman to drop the weapon before a single officer fired. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and no other injuries were reported during the incident. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as required under department policy while a full investigation is conducted by Major Crimes detectives and reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The shooting came just one day after the death of Larry Johnson, 35, who was killed in a crash on Warwick Road, according to authorities. Johnson, identified in local reports as the father of one of Wooten-Mitchell’s children, died when a vehicle he was riding in struck a tree. Police said the driver left the scene before being arrested later on felony hit-and-run charges.

In the hours before the incident, Wooten-Mitchell shared several emotional posts on Facebook referencing the recent loss and her grief, according to public reports. The posts have since drawn attention online, though officials have not confirmed whether they played any role in what unfolded. Community members have expressed concern and sadness as conversations continue around mental health and crisis response.

Investigators say the case remains active, with detectives reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and evidence collected at the apartment complex. Authorities have not announced whether the encounter was premeditated or directly connected to earlier events, and officials caution that conclusions will not be drawn until all facts are verified through the ongoing review process.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support funeral expenses and provide assistance for the family of Wooten-Mitchell as they cope with the sudden loss. Community members have contributed donations and messages of support, reflecting widespread grief and shock across Richmond. Organizers say the funds will help ease immediate financial burdens during this difficult period.

As the investigation continues, residents across the city are left searching for answers while grappling with the emotional weight of back-to-back tragedies involving the same family. Officials say more information will be released as it becomes available, while the community focuses on healing and supporting those affected by the loss support services and counseling resources remain available for residents affected by these events locally provided