‘We got justice today’: Children of slain father speak after man is sentenced to 72 years in prison

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond man will serve 72 years in prison for a murder in Byrd Park two years ago.

On Feb. 13, a judge sentenced Kendall Oliver to prison for the robbery and murder of Wilson Negron. On June 12, 2024, at Richmond Police officers were called to the 1300 Block of Hampton Avenue where Negron was found suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

The investigation determined that Negron was a jewelry salesman who was fatally shot during a robbery.

According to officials, Oliver drove his vehicle with Daquan Brunson to meet Negron for a jewelry exchange. Oliver rear-ended Negron, who was then shot five times by Brunson. Both men fled the scene in Negron’s car. 

Police arrested both men, including 51-year-old Lavena Brown of Chesterfield County who also played a part in the murder.

On October 16, 2025, after a three-day trial, a jury convicted Oliver and Brunson of first-degree murder; use of a firearm while committing murder; robbery resulting in death; conspiracy to commit robbery; and using a firearm to commit robbery. 

During court, Oliver attempted to file a motion to continue the case stating he wasn’t in the area when the murder happened. In his final testimony, Oliver apologized to Negron’s family who were in the court room. He also stated “I am an innocent man. I will continue to fight for my innocence until there’s no more in me.”

Defense lawyer Wes Simon argued for a minimum sentence of 43 years, stating anything above would be “unnecessary.”

Simon also brought anecdotes of Oliver’s upbringing saying the odds were “stacked against him” growing up with parents who were drug addicts, moving from home-to-home and struggling in grade school.

Commonwealth’s attorney Alvin Williams countered by laying out Oliver’s history of law violations, while felony and misdemeanor convictions add to his disruptive behavior despite being given chances to rehabilitate. 

Williams also said fingerprints were found of the sign of the license plate of the get-a-way car both Oliver and Brunson drove in.

Children of Negron also gave testimony on their father’s death, saying they would’ve turned 48-years-old on Feb. 13.

“I’ve been in and out of depression, lost 60 pounds after his passing and didn’t work for almost a year,” said eldest daughter Jazzanaya Negron. “The only thing that got me out of it was my pregnancy.”

Negron did not attend trial in October due to the birth of her son. 

Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland ultimately decided on 72 years, stating gun violence will “not be tolerated" and sending a message to the community.

The defense plans to appeal the judge's decision.

After proceedings, more of Negron’s daughters spoke about how he was a person.

“He saw the beauty in everything. He was just a sweet soul, just a pure person,” said Tayvia Negron.

“He was a very good man, and he was loved by a lot of people,” said Nadia Negron. He came around to see him all the time at his house, just where he worked. “

The children said they hope to find closure after the conviction.

“Unfortunately, a life was taken, and Mr. Oliver gets to continue to live on this earth,” said the eldest daughter. “It should have been life for him. But we're happy that we got justice today.”