Fatal Shooting on Downey Street; Juvenile Charged With Murder

On September 13, 2025, at approximately 2:35 a.m., Radford City Police officers responded to a shooting in the 1100 block of Downey Street and discovered a victim with a fatal gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A juvenile suspect was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a handgun by a person under 18, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The suspect's name has not been released due to their age.

The shooting occurred in a neighborhood near Radford University that is home to students, families, and fraternity and sorority houses. A neighbor reported hearing an argument followed by a single gunshot.

Radford Police Chief Jerry Holdaway addressed rising community concerns, acknowledging a significant spike in weapon- and gun-related crimes over the preceding six months. "The magnitude of this particular problem is not something we have experienced before," Chief Holdaway said. He attributed much of the increase to "outside influence of gang members, people that are undesirable, that are showing up to some of these parties," and noted that the majority of offenders in these incidents are not Radford University students.

The fatal shooting has intensified calls from residents for increased policing and preventive measures in the area. The investigation remains active, and the Radford City Police Department urges anyone with information to contact them at 540-731-3624.