Johnell Richo, a 67-year-old African American Army veteran, was found shot and killed in the yard of his home at 12th and Gum streets in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on May 2, 2016. Police were alerted early that morning after reports of gunfire; officers found Richo’s body at the scene.

Investigators noted a possible connection between Richo’s killing and an armed robbery that occurred nearby hours earlier during the Shrimp Festival weekend. John Patrick Wilson, 52, was arrested in relation to that robbery and charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed robbery after witnesses said he had demanded money at gunpoint from two men, Larry Javon Roberts and Jerrald Jevon Owens; a struggle followed, shots were fired, and Roberts subdued Wilson until police arrived. Witnesses also reported seeing people running from the area on the night of Richo’s death and K-9 units were used to track potential suspects.

The community held a vigil at the New Jerusalem House of God to honor Richo. Multiple theories were being explored by investigators as they sought to piece together events leading to his murder. If anyone knew Johnell Richo or saw activity near 12th and Gum streets that morning, please come forward with information.