Darius Saunders Jr, a 31-year-old Black man from Lynchburg, Virginia, was fatally shot on December 28, 2019, in the 600 block of Gum Street. Authorities say the homicide arose from a drug deal that turned into a robbery and shooting.

Two people were arrested in connection with the case: 25-year-old Dakota Scott and 15-year-old Devon Bailey. Scott was charged with felony murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery. Bailey originally faced first-degree murder and robbery charges; evidence at trial reportedly included social media posts showing a firearm and messages indicating an intent to rob someone.

At Bailey’s March 2022 trial he said he acted in self-defense. The jury found him not guilty of robbery and a related firearms charge but deadlocked on first-degree murder, producing a mistrial on that count. Bailey later pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and received a five-year prison sentence.

If anyone knew Darius or has information about what happened that night on Gum Street, please come forward.