Lavon Donelle Woodson, 44, was fatally shot in the parking lot of Mel J’s Bar and Grill on the 7500 block of Brook Road in Henrico on May 22, 2026. Police and bystanders attempted to render aid after shots were reported just after 11:00 p.m., but Woodson died at the scene. The bar’s owner offered condolences to Woodson’s family and patrons who witnessed the incident, and Virginia ABC special agents were seen at the property in the aftermath.

Henrico police have opened a homicide investigation. No arrests have been announced in Woodson’s death; an arrest was made in a separate homicide over the same holiday weekend but not in this case. Authorities have asked the public to contact Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers with any information. The motive and exact circumstances behind the shooting remain unresolved.

Did anyone who was at Mel J’s that night or who knows something about activity in the parking lot come forward with information?