‘It’s everybody’s responsibility’: Petersburg councilmember speaks out after 2 shootings less than 24 hours apart

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — A Petersburg city official is speaking out after two shootings in the city in less than 24 hours.

The first shooting happened at around 8:51 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21. It left one teen dead and another injured .

Officers were called to the 600 block of Cottonwood Drive for a report of shots fired . According to the Petersburg Bureau of Police, the call was upgraded to a person shot while the officers were on their way.

When the officers arrived, they found 17-year-old Timarii Mason, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A 15-year-old was also found with a gunshot wound that was not considered life threatening, he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The next day on Wednesday, May 22, officers responded to the 1200 block of Commerce Street at around 5:42 p.m. after it was reported that a person had been shot .

At the scene, the officers found 35-year-old Rashaun Bradley with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Bradley was taken to a local hospital and died from his injuries the next day.

42-year-old Tron Dominique Richardson was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding and using a firearm while committing a felony in connection to the shooting.

“Every year, when the weather changes, when it’s summertime, people just act different,” said Petersburg Councilmember Marlow Jones. “We got the ‘love’ signs all over Petersburg, right? But yet, we’re showing them what love is by murder. We’ve given them a new definition of love, that’s not love.”

Jones said he would like to see more cameras in the city to help police solve crimes and for kids to be involved in extracurricular programs from an early age. He also said it’s up to the entire community to make a difference.

“It’s not just Council, it’s not just the police department, it’s not just citizens, it’s everybody. It’s everybody’s responsibility. It’s nobody’s fault, but it’s everybody’s responsibility,” Jones said.

Both incidents are still under investigation, anyone with information is asked to call Petersburg Police at 804-732-4222.

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