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Richmond police provide Monroe Park shooting update

George Copeland Jr. | 6/29/2023, 6 p.m.
It’s been three weeks since the shooting in Monroe Park after Huguenot High Schools graduation that killed a graduate, Shawn ...
During a June 11 vigil at Abner Clay Park, Rennada Smith Bass, center, of Monroe La. is consoled as she and her family grieve the loss of their brother, Renzo Dell Smith, who was killed Tuesday, June 6 along with his stepson Shawn Jackson, 18. Before being shot, Mr. Jackson had just walked across the stage and received his diploma during his Huguenot High School graduation at Altria Theater. Richmond police note that none of the guns confiscated in the aftermath were brought into the Altria Theater. Police also said that the shooting sprang from a confrontation between Mr. Jackson and the shooter, Amari Pollard. Photo by Regina H. Boone

It’s been three weeks since the shooting in Monroe Park after Huguenot High Schools graduation that killed a graduate, Shawn D. Jackson, his stepfather Renzo Smith and injured five others. Since then, official information about the investigation has been scarce, with the Richmond Police Department canceling a planned in-person briefing last Friday and releasing information in statements instead, after a consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

According to a statement from Richmond police, one victim of the shooting is still recovering in the hospital and may be released soon. A second suspect was cleared of involvement in the shooting, after video evidence was reviewed, police say.

Police reports also note that none of the guns confiscated in the aftermath were brought into the Altria Theater, where the Huguenot High graduation ceremony took place. The police also reiterated that the shooting sprang from a confrontation between Mr. Jackson and the shooter, Amari Pollard.

“While we understand the public’s right [to] know, we must balance that with the case we present to the Commonwealth Attorney,” RPD said. “It is our priority to turn over the best case, and releasing too much information can jeopardize the final result.”

The police ask that anyone with information related to the shooting contact officials at 804-780-1000, while those injured in the shooting or those who know someone who was injured may call the Victim/Witness Services of the Commonwealth’s Attorney office at 804-646-7665.