‘It was chaos, gunshots’: Attorney weighs in after Huguenot High graduation shooting final report released

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Richmond Police Department has released its final review of the 2023 Huguenot High School graduation shooting -- an incident that left two people dead and several others injured.

“June 6, 2023 was one of the worst days in our city’s history,” said Police Chief Rick Edwards in the video report, which was shared on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

That day, chaos erupted when gunfire broke out in Monroe Park after Huguenot High School's graduation ceremony. Both 18-year-old graduate Shawn Jackson and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith, were shot and killed.

Amari Pollard pleaded guilty to Jackson's first-degree murder and a firearm charge. However, despite a thorough investigation, it is still unclear who shot and killed Smith, as the gun matching the bullet that hit him was never found.

MORE: No one charged in stepfather’s death at Huguenot High graduation shooting

Five other people were also shot that day -- including Travis Johnson.

"'Am I going to die?' 'What’s happening?' From his perspective, it was just chaos — gunshots," said attorney Jim Williams, describing his client's point of view on June 6, 2023.

According to Williams, Johnson was shot in the right knee while attending his family member's graduation.

"Some days he still has pain," Williams said. "He can’t play with his young family members like he used to. He has a little trepidation about public outings."

Like in Smith’s case, Williams said it is unclear who shot Johnson, as no gun matching the bullet fragments found in his wound has been recovered.

MORE: Update on those injured in 2023 Huguenot High School graduation shooting

“It doesn’t happen very often,” Williams said, referring to police not being able to make such an identification.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said no further criminal charges will be pursued in connection with the shooting. Still, Williams noted that the case could have more action in civil court -- a path his client is pursuing.

"It’d be great if we had a system where we could return your health to you and bring people back from the dead," he said. "But unfortunately, we can’t. All we can do is make an award."

ALL COVERAGE: Huguenot High School Graduation Shooting

Williams said Johnson’s lawsuit is still in the state claims process.