Richmond, Va. — Richmond Police Department Chief Rick Edwards confirmed that nine adults were shot during a deadly early morning incident in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood that investigators believe began as a physical altercation before escalating into gunfire.

According to Chief Edwards, an officer assigned to the area shortly after 2:45 a.m. observed what appeared to be a large fight in progress, with vehicles traveling at high speeds nearby.

Within seconds, the officer encountered an adult female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim was later identified by family members as 23-year-old Genesis Jones of Petersburg. Relatives stated she had been in Shockoe Bottom celebrating her brother’s birthday when gunfire erupted.

Sources indicated that Jones was not involved in the altercation and is believed to have been an innocent bystander walking through the area when she was struck.

Officers subsequently located a second victim, identified as 42-year-old Dominic Jackson of Henrico, who was also suffering from a gunshot wound. He, too, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In addition to the two fatalities, officers found four other individuals with what were initially described as non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

They were transported to area hospitals by the Richmond Ambulance Authority. Authorities later determined that three additional individuals arrived at local hospitals by private vehicle seeking treatment.

In total, seven surviving victims were hospitalized.

Police reported that one adult male remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the remaining six sustained injuries not considered life-threatening. All nine victims are adults ranging in age from 23 to 42.

Chief Edwards stated that preliminary findings indicate a fight broke out in the middle of the street in the 000 block of North 18th Street.

Individuals reportedly intervened in the altercation, at which point multiple people began firing weapons.

The shooting prompted the closure of several streets in the Shockoe Bottom area as investigators processed what officials described as a large and complex crime scene.

Roadways were blocked from 17th and Main streets to 19th and Main streets, as well as around 18th and Franklin streets. Bullet damage was visible on multiple vehicles, indicating collateral impact from the gunfire.

Forensic teams are expected to remain on scene for an extended period collecting evidence. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and other technological resources to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Detectives are also conducting witness interviews and examining damaged vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation.

At this time, authorities have not released information regarding any suspects.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard at 804-646-6795 or call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers mobile application.