Today’s Good News
One
week ago today would have been Joel S. Heatley’s 47th birthday.
Though another man violently took his life, Richmond Police officers and city
prosecutors worked hard to make sure his family received justice and that the
man who murdered him was found, arrested and convicted of the crime. Third Precinct Officers Jose Marte and
Richard Redford were the first officers to arrive that day and secure the
scene. They quickly began gathering evidence and notifying detectives.
A
great team effort was done by Homicide D Team, comprised of Detective John Bandy (lead
investigator) and Detective Sergeant
Bill Brereton and Detectives Arcellious Demery, Conrad Simms and Mac Adams.
Detective Sergeant Michael Mocello and
Detectives Victoria Griffith-Matko, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Deem and Amira Sleem
also assisted with the case.
Forensic Detectives
Gene Provost (lead
forensic investigator), Howard Gittman,
and Mary Gary also did a great job processing the scene while Detective Sandy Ledbetter-Clarkson and the
U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force, as usual, quickly and safely
arrested the suspect after warrants were obtained for his arrest.
The
case was prosecuted by Supervising
Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Hobbs who diligently prepared for the
murder trial, which was set to go forward this past Monday. Without that
preparation, there is no way the suspect would have pleaded guilty and accepted
such a substantial sentence. The suspect pleaded guilty to second degree murder
and a judge sentenced him to 40 years in prison with 20 years suspended.
Deputy Chief John
Buturla
had this to say to everyone involved: “Great job in bringing this case together
– from the patrol response, investigation, apprehension and the efforts to
prosecute him. Thank you all, and great teamwork.”
DISCLAIMER:
The following incidents are preliminary in nature and are subject to change
after investigation. Please note that
the entries listed below do not cover every incident from overnight. The
listings are subject to the judgment of staff officers’ sense of what is
noteworthy.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
2nd
Precinct
AGGRAVATED
ASSAULT (DOMESTIC)
3/21/14 2:41
a.m.
600 block of Queen Anne Drive
A male reported a known female assaulted him. An arrest was
made.
PROPERTY
CRIMES
1st Precinct
BURGLARY
3/20/14 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
2200 block of Venable Street
An unknown person(s) broke into the residence
and stole two TVs.
2nd Precinct
BURGLARY
3/20/14 1:55 a.m. – 2:03 a.m.
5696 Hull Street Road
An unknown person(s) broke into the business.
3rd Precinct
THEFT FROM BUILDING
3/17/14 – 3/20/14 2:36 p.m. – 2:36 p.m.
3507 W. Cary St.
A known person(s) stole several items from
the business.
3rd Precinct
THEFT FROM BUILDING
3/20/14 7:27 p.m. – 7:28 p.m.
6808 Midlothian Turnpike
An unknown person(s) stole money from a
wallet in the building.
4th Precinct
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE
3/20/14 12:01 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
3000 block of Groveland Avenue
An unknown person(s) entered the vehicle and
stole a license plate.
4th Precinct
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE
3/20/14 9:30 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
200 block of West Main Street
Two unknown males entered the unlocked vehicle and stole a cell
phone.
4th Precinct
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS
3/19/14 – 3/20/14 10:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2800 block of 2nd Avenue
An unknown person(s) stole a tire off of the
vehicle.
4th Precinct
BURGLARY
3/20/14 7:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
4000 block of Piney Road
An unknown person(s) broke into the residence
and stole several items.
