The local police chief confirmed that there were at least two shooters involved in the fatal incident

Police vehicle (stock image).Credit : Getty Images/iStockphoto

Two people were killed, and seven others were injured, in a mass shooting in Virginia.

According to police in Richmond, the shooting occurred after a fight broke out in the city’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, known for its restaurants and clubs, at around 2:45 a.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 21, per the Richmond Times-Dispatch, WWBT and the Associated Press.

A police officer in the area observed “a large commotion,” as well as cars suddenly speeding away from the scene.

Police Chief Rick Edwards said that a man and a woman — later identified as 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson and 23-year-old Genesis Tamar Jones — died at the scene after they both sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

“It seemed like a fight started, individuals intervened in that fight, and shots were fired,” Edwards said.

A view of the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood in Richmond, Va., photographed in 2019.ISSAM AHMED/AFP via Getty

According to WTVR, Genesis’ family had gathered in Richmond to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday.

Genesis’ older brother, Zekiah, told the outlet that his sister was walking down the street when she was struck by gunfire.

“From what the police are telling me, she was not a part of it,” he said. “She was about good vibes, wanting everybody to have a good time and get along.”

“It’s shocking… She was so young, 23. She didn’t have a chance to really live life yet,” Zekiah told WTVR. “She’s still a baby, our baby.”

Chief Edwards told the outlets that nine people, ranging in age from 23 to 42, were shot during the incident, including three men and four women who were hospitalized for their gunshot wounds.

Authorities towed six vehicles for evidence during the investigation, and Edwards confirmed that the incident did not begin inside a bar or club and that there were at least two shooters involved.

“If you’re carrying firearms, you can’t engage in a normal fight, because it escalates like it did tonight. One person starts shooting, multiple people start shooting,” Edwards said, calling the incident “frustrating.”

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called Saturday’s shooting incident “absolutely heartbreaking.”

“Our hearts cry out for the families of the victims,” he said, per WRIC. “This is not how people want to live. This is not what our city is about. This is not what the residents of our city deserve.”

Speaking to WTVR, Zekiah described his late sister Genesis as “the life of the party,” and a person who loved to socialize with others.

“I was always against guns, but now it really hits home,“ he told the outlet. “We, as the people — no matter race or gender — have to come together. The violence has to stop. Not only is my family affected, but there were other victims and families affected. No family should have to feel this, especially during this time of year. We came to celebrate, and now we’re leaving in grief.”

“[Genesis] is going to be truly missed,” he added.

Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to call Richmond Major Crimes Detective J. DeBoard at (804) 646-6795 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.