Dominique Epps Fatally Shot During Apparent Robbery Attempt at Richmond Business; Investigation Underway as Police Seek to Determine Whether Shooting Was in Self-Defense

RICHMOND, Va. — In a deeply troubling and tragic incident on Richmond’s Northside, Dominique Epps, a 37-year-old Henrico County resident, lost his life in a shooting that occurred during what authorities believe may have been a robbery attempt. The shooting took place shortly before 9:30 p.m. on June 5, 2025, in the 2200 block of Chamberlayne Avenue, a busy corridor lined with local businesses, convenience stores, and community landmarks.

The Richmond Police Department confirmed that Epps was discovered at the scene with a gunshot wound and was unresponsive when officers arrived. Despite immediate life-saving efforts from emergency medical personnel, Epps was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident, which unfolded in a matter of moments, has left a family in mourning, neighbors reeling, and authorities trying to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.

Police Response and Initial Findings

According to statements released by the Richmond Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire coming from a business on Chamberlayne Avenue. Upon arrival, they located Epps lying inside the establishment, suffering from a critical gunshot wound.

Initial evidence gathered by officers suggests that the shooting took place during what may have been an attempted robbery, with Epps allegedly confronting a store employee. A physical or verbal altercation may have occurred during the incident, culminating in gunfire exchanged between Epps and the employee.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the employee involved, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to ensure the safety and privacy of those cooperating with law enforcement. It has also not been confirmed whether Epps was armed at the time of the incident, though officials have stated that multiple witnesses are being interviewed and surveillance footage from inside and outside the business is being reviewed.

The Richmond Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has taken the lead in the investigation. Detectives are working to determine whether the shooting was a legitimate act of self-defense or if the employee may face potential charges in connection with Epps’ death.

A Violent Moment Shatters a Quiet Evening

The shooting took place in a section of Richmond that residents describe as “quiet but active,” especially in the early evening hours. Chamberlayne Avenue, a main artery through the Northside, is home to several small businesses, gas stations, eateries, and storefront churches. Many of these businesses are family-owned and long-standing pillars of the community.

Several witnesses described the chaotic and frightening moments surrounding the incident.

“I was walking out of the store across the street when I heard loud pops—maybe three, maybe four,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “At first I thought it was fireworks, but then people started yelling and running. I ducked behind a car until I realized the police were coming.”

Another bystander recalled the rapid response by law enforcement.

“They were there fast. Within minutes, it seemed like the entire block was flooded with lights. You could see how serious it was,” said the witness.

Police quickly established a perimeter around the scene, taping off the area and clearing the public from surrounding businesses while detectives began canvassing the neighborhood for additional witnesses and video footage. Crime scene technicians worked late into the night collecting forensic evidence.

Who Was Dominique Epps?

While law enforcement continues to investigate the events of that night, those who knew Dominique Epps are left grappling with his death and the troubling circumstances surrounding it.

Friends and family describe Epps as a man who had faced hardships but was trying to change the course of his life. A father of two and longtime resident of Henrico County, he was known to some in the area for his sharp sense of humor and protective nature toward his children.

“He had his ups and downs, like anybody,” said one cousin who declined to be named. “But he loved his family. This just doesn’t feel real. We want to know what really happened.”

Community members have begun gathering online to express condolences and share memories of Epps. Some have voiced frustration over the public framing of the event as a robbery before all facts have been confirmed, while others have emphasized the need for transparency and accountability — regardless of the victim’s past.

A memorial with flowers and candles was set up near the business on Chamberlayne Avenue on the morning following the shooting, with messages calling for peace, justice, and remembrance.

Legal Questions Loom Over Potential Self-Defense Claim

One of the most significant questions now facing investigators is whether the shooting was legally justified under Virginia’s self-defense laws. Under state law, the use of deadly force is permitted if an individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. However, such claims require careful scrutiny by law enforcement and, often, judicial review.

According to legal experts familiar with Virginia’s self-defense statutes, the key elements investigators will be looking at include:

• Whether Epps posed an immediate and credible threat to the employee’s life.
• Whether the employee had any opportunity to retreat or call for help before using deadly force.
• Whether the employee’s response was proportional to the threat posed.

“The legality of self-defense is very fact-specific,” said one Richmond-area criminal defense attorney not involved in the case. “If someone was protecting themselves from a robbery, and there’s evidence of a weapon or threats, that may be a strong claim. But the circumstances surrounding the confrontation — who escalated it, how it unfolded — will all be critical in determining whether charges are filed.”

For now, Richmond Police have stated only that the matter is under review and that no charges have been filed as of yet.

Community Reactions: Grief, Uncertainty, and a Search for Answers

The sudden violence has left the local community in a state of shock. Neighbors and local leaders alike have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and concern about the broader implications of violence, even in areas not typically seen as crime hotspots.

“We’re heartbroken. We don’t know all the facts yet, but we do know someone died on our street, and that has an impact on all of us,” said a local business owner. “This block is filled with hardworking people trying to get by. We need safety and we need solutions.”

Community organizations are calling for renewed efforts to address the root causes of crime, including poverty, lack of opportunity, and mental health challenges. Some residents have suggested the need for increased mental health outreach, job placement programs, and mentorship initiatives to steer individuals away from high-risk situations.

City officials have yet to make a formal statement but have privately acknowledged the concerns and indicated support for a full and transparent investigation.

What Comes Next in the Investigation

As the days following the shooting unfold, the focus will remain on gathering all available facts. Richmond Police have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and to share updates with the public as information becomes available.

Authorities have asked that anyone with knowledge of the incident, or anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard something unusual, come forward. Detectives are also hoping nearby businesses with security cameras can help provide additional footage to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to Epps’ death.

Until then, the Chamberlayne Avenue community — and the family of Dominique Epps — are left with more questions than answers.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Richmond Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. Anonymous tips can be submitted through established public safety hotlines.