‘The violence has to stop’: Hopewell residents react after man, his dog shot dead

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Residents of Hopewell's Piper Square Apartment complex are calling for an end to violence after a man and his dog were shot dead on Wednesday.

"The city is too small to be losin' people every day," said one neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's broad daylight. The children are getting off the bus. Normally, children would be there at the park ... thank God they weren't there at the time."

At about 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, officers with the Hopewell Police Department were called to the 1500 block of Piper Square Drive for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found 37-year-old Endraqus Thomal Range of Hopewell, who had been shot several times. He died at the scene -- as did his dog, who was also shot, according to police.

"That's somebody's child life you've just taken, no matter how old or how young," The neighbor said. "The violence has to stop. Put them guns down -- you scared to fight? [And] it could have been an emotional support dog ... it's still a life."

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Police said 21-year-old Dayon Elijah Williams of Hopewell was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and animal cruelty in connection with this incident.

Williams is currently being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bond.

"Stop this trend, this violent trend -- we have a younger generation coming up. They look up to us," the neighbor said. "They're going to do what they see us do ... and if you don't change it, nothing is going to change."

The investigation into this homicide continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hopewell Police Department at 804-541-2284.