‘That’s a baby, for real’: Richmond sees rise in juvenile shootings in April, similar to 2024

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Richmond's Hillside Court neighborhood on Wednesday makes for the fourth non-accidental shooting involving a juvenile that 8News has reported on during the month of April.

"It's just terrible, it's sad," said Roberto Pietri, of Hopewell, who was visiting the city on Thursday. "My youngest sister is 15 -- that's crazy to think, like, 15 [years old]? That's a baby, for real."

PREVIOUS: Toddler and two teenagers shot in Richmond, one killed; 17-year-old charged

On Wednesday, April 9, Richmond Police officers received a call at 5:17 p.m. about a person shot in the 1600 block of Lone Street.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found a 15-year-old girl on the ground with a gunshot wound.

The teenager was taken to the hospital and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

So far this April, three 15-year-olds and one 2-year-old have been shot across the city. This number is rising similarly to how it did this time last year, when 8News reported on four teenagers shot in Richmond: three 16-year-olds and one 14-year-old.

LAST APRIL: Richmond sees disturbing trend with four juvenile homicides, three in less than one week

One of the teens shot this April was 15-year-old Dora Hill, whose friends spoke with 8News shortly after her death.

"I'm going to miss you, Dora -- I love you so much. I wish you were here with us ... we shouldn't be going through this right now," said Tyonna Lawson of Richmond.

8News asked Richmond authorities for an update on the condition of the 15-year-old teen shot on Lone Street. We were told that the department does not have an update at the moment.

The investigation remains ongoing.