RICHMOND, Va. — Tanya Chavis, 58, of Richmond, was fatally shot on Dunston Avenue, while Corey Chavis, 48, also of Richmond, was identified as the suspect and later died by suicide at Oakwood Cemetery, according to the Richmond Police Department. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and the events that followed.
Police said officers were called at approximately 12:01 p.m. to the 4000 block of Dunston Avenue after receiving a report of a death investigation. When officers arrived, they found Tanya Chavis down and unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound.
Chavis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, detectives began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and developed a possible suspect. Authorities subsequently obtained warrants for Corey Chavis, 48, of Richmond, in connection with the homicide investigation.
The investigation later led detectives and officers to Oakwood Cemetery, located in the 3100 block of Nine Mile Road. When officers arrived at the cemetery, they located an adult male and female inside a vehicle.
Because of the circumstances at the scene, the Richmond Police Department’s SWAT Team responded to assist officers with the investigation.
While officers were at the cemetery, police said Corey Chavis shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The adult female who was inside the vehicle ran from the vehicle but was quickly located and secured by officers. Police said the woman was not injured.
Investigators have determined that the incident was domestic-related, although the motive for the shooting has not been released. Detectives continue to work to establish the events leading up to the shooting on Dunston Avenue and the subsequent incident at Oakwood Cemetery.
The Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death for both Tanya Chavis and Corey Chavis.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone who may have additional information about the homicide to come forward. Information from witnesses could help detectives establish a clearer timeline and determine what led to the fatal shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers smartphone app.
Authorities emphasized that all Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
As detectives continue their investigation, additional information may be released as it becomes available. Police have not disclosed a specific motive for the shooting at this time, and the Medical Examiner’s findings will provide additional information regarding the deaths.
The case remains under investigation by Richmond Police.
Leave a Reply