Richmond Police have formally identified the victim in a tragic South Harrison Street homicide as 22-year-old Alicia Ellis, a Richmond resident, and have announced the arrest of her father, 55-year-old Alonzo Ellis, in connection with the fatal incident. The case has shocked the community and raised concerns about domestic violence and family trauma.]
Early Morning Call Turns Tragic
On Saturday, May 31, at approximately 9:52 a.m., officers from the Richmond Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of South Harrison Street following a report of an armed individual. When officers arrived on the scene, they entered an apartment unit and made a horrifying discovery: an adult female, later identified as Alicia Ellis, was found unresponsive and lying on the floor with an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency responders pronounced Ellis dead at the scene. The apartment was secured and immediately treated as a crime scene. Investigators worked throughout the day to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and determine what led to the deadly shooting.
Father Arrested; Charges Filed
Following an intensive investigation, detectives identified Alicia’s father, Alonzo Ellis, as a suspect in the shooting. He was taken into custody without incident later that day.
Alonzo Ellis has been charged with shooting within an occupied dwelling and child neglect. Police have stated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues and forensic evidence is reviewed. A booking photo has not yet been released to the public.
The relationship between Alicia and her father remains under scrutiny, and detectives are working to understand the nature of their interactions leading up to the shooting. While specific details of the incident have not been publicly disclosed, authorities have confirmed that Alicia lived in the apartment where she was found.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a full autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Community Reaction: A Family Torn Apart
News of the homicide has stunned neighbors and friends, many of whom describe Alicia Ellis as a bright, caring young woman with aspirations to make a positive impact in her community.
“She had a gentle soul,” said longtime neighbor Clara Vaughn. “I watched her grow up. This is just devastating.”
Alicia was reportedly active in community outreach programs and had recently begun exploring a career path in social work. Her untimely death not only leaves a void in her family but also among the many lives she touched.
The fact that her own father is now in custody has only deepened the community’s sense of shock and sorrow.
