Hills & Heights
Update from RPD on Murder of Markiya Dickson
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting that resulted in the death of the 9-year-old and injuries to two others at Carter Jones Park this past May.
RPD released the following statement:
WE NEED AN EYEWITNESS TO COME FORWARD TO HELP US SOLVE THE MARKIYA DICKSON MURDER CASE.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting that resulted in the death of the 9-year-old and injuries to two others.
On the evening of May 26, there were individuals playing on the ball fields at Fonticello/Carter Jones Park, children playing on the playground, and families having Memorial Day cookouts… when gunfire erupted. Markiya Dickson was an innocent bystander, shot while enjoying a day with her family at the park. She died soon after as a result of her injuries The other two victims – one juvenile and one adult – were treated for their injuries and have survived.
What we know of the event is that there were two groups fighting. There was more than one gunman. And we do not believe this act is random. However, our victims were innocently caught in the crossfire of the fight.
“We have received a lot of information and videos and we thank the community greatly for their assistance. What we are asking for today is an eyewitness,” said Homicide Lt. Faith Flippo. “We need an eyewitness to come forward and help us link all the pieces together that we have.”
“This tragic incident has sparked outrage across our community and we’ve received an outpouring of support and information from members of the neighborhood and those who were in the park,” said RPD Chief William Smith. “However, there remains those who have the most information and they remain silent. We need everyone’s help and support to solve this case and even though it won’t bring Markiya back, it will provide justice for the family.”
“We can’t make good cases that lead to solid prosecutions without witnesses,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge David Archery. “Part of the FBI’s mission is to assist state and local law enforcement authorities and as part of that, today we join the Richmond Police Department to say this case is important to us.”
Anyone with information related to this case should call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or the FBI at (804) 261-1044. You can also share tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
