Alicia Ellis, 22, Fatally Shot Inside Richmond Apartment — Father Alonzo Ellis Arrested in Shocking South Harrison Street Homicide

RICHMOND, Va. (June 2, 2025) — Richmond Police have formally identified the victim in a tragic South Harrison Street homicide as 22-year-old Alicia Ellis, a Richmond resident, and have announced the arrest of her father, 55-year-old Alonzo Ellis, in connection with the fatal incident. The case has shocked the community and raised concerns about domestic violence and family trauma.

Early Morning Call Turns Tragic

On Saturday, May 31, at approximately 9:52 a.m., officers from the Richmond Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of South Harrison Street following a report of an armed individual. When officers arrived on the scene, they entered an apartment unit and made a horrifying discovery: an adult female, later identified as Alicia Ellis, was found unresponsive and lying on the floor with an apparent gunshot wound.

Emergency responders pronounced Ellis dead at the scene. The apartment was secured and immediately treated as a crime scene. Investigators worked throughout the day to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and determine what led to the deadly shooting.

Father Arrested; Charges Filed

Following an intensive investigation, detectives identified Alicia’s father, Alonzo Ellis, as a suspect in the shooting. He was taken into custody without incident later that day.

Alonzo Ellis has been charged with shooting within an occupied dwelling and child neglect. Police have stated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues and forensic evidence is reviewed. A booking photo has not yet been released to the public.

The relationship between Alicia and her father remains under scrutiny, and detectives are working to understand the nature of their interactions leading up to the shooting. While specific details of the incident have not been publicly disclosed, authorities have confirmed that Alicia lived in the apartment where she was found.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a full autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Community Reaction: A Family Torn Apart

News of the homicide has stunned neighbors and friends, many of whom describe Alicia Ellis as a bright, caring young woman with aspirations to make a positive impact in her community.

“She had a gentle soul,” said longtime neighbor Clara Vaughn. “I watched her grow up. This is just devastating.”

Alicia was reportedly active in community outreach programs and had recently begun exploring a career path in social work. Her untimely death not only leaves a void in her family but also among the many lives she touched.

The fact that her own father is now in custody has only deepened the community’s sense of shock and sorrow.

“This kind of trauma runs deep, not just for the family but for the whole city,” said one resident who attended a makeshift memorial near the apartment. “We have to ask ourselves how to better support families before things get to this point.”

Call for Information and Public Help

The Richmond Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are urging anyone who may have information about the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804) 646-3246. Anonymous tips can also be shared via Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or through the P3 Tips smartphone app. All methods of communication with Crime Stoppers are confidential.

Next Steps in the Case

As Alonzo Ellis remains in custody, legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming days. The Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has indicated that the charges against him could be upgraded pending the outcome of the autopsy and continued investigation.

In the meantime, Alicia’s loved ones are left to mourn a young life lost too soon. A candlelight vigil and public remembrance are reportedly in the early planning stages, with community leaders emphasizing the need for healing and reflection.

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of domestic conflict and the importance of mental health support and early intervention. As Richmond reels from the loss, residents hope Alicia Ellis will be remembered not just for how she died, but for the kindness, promise, and love she gave during her life.