‘He had a big heart’: Family mourns Richmond man shot, killed in Manchester

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Mother Alfreda Berkley said she’ll never get to hug her son Terrell Robinson again after the 44-year-old was shot and killed in Manchester.

“He gave the best hugs in the whole wide world,” Berkley said. “I cried and I cried."

At about 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, officers with the Richmond Police Department were called to E. 10th Street, where they found Robinson lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his back.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries -- leaving Berkley and Robinson’s best friend, James Gayles, heartbroken.

“I don’t understand," Gayles said. "I don’t think I’m gonna ever understand."

Police have not released any additional information about the shooting, but Berkley told 8News that her son was with his girlfriend that night when her child’s father showed up, threatened him and a fight broke out.

Robinson's death is double the pain for Berkley, who has already been forced to experience a similar loss.

“I’ve already lost a son two years ago, same thing,” she said.

Now, she's grieving two sons, both taken by gun violence when they were just 44 years old.

Berkley said Robinson had only been home for nine years after spending 17 years incarcerated. During that time, he loved his family, traveled with friends and made YouTube videos.

“He wanted to be a powerful voice,” Gayles said of his videomaking.

“He had a big heart. He helped so many people … he even gave his shoes to homeless people,” Berkley added.

Now, he’s gone, with his death leaving a hole that can never be filled.

“I would really like to see people wake up and stop killing each other,” Berkley said.

The family is taking donations to help cover Robinson's funeral costs. You can send Berkley money via Cashapp.

Police are still investigating Robinson's death. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Detective G. Russell at 804-646-7715.