RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Amid the recent sentencing of the now-convicted shooter in the death of a Huguenot High School graduate, questions remain surrounding multiple others who were shot as one was also killed.
The graduate, Shawn Jackson along with his step-father Lorenzo Smith were shot and killed. Five others were also shot but survived.
Amari Pollard, 20, was sentenced to 43 years in prison for the charges of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to the death of Jackson. Pollard will serve 25 years of his sentence as 18 years were suspended.
The sentencing came after a guilty plea by Pollard on the fourth day of the scheduled five-day trial.
According to Pollard’s testimony, he shot Jackson because he was scared for his life while running away from him and hearing someone say, “Shoot him.”
This claim was at the center of the self-defense argument Pollard’s attorney tried to make — claiming that Jackson and Smith were in a group with three of Jackson’s friends all carrying guns. The defense went on to say the group saw Pollard in Monroe Park, approached him and Jackson flashed a gun under his robe allegedly telling Pollard, “I’m going to crush you,” before calling the group over as Pollard ran away.
For a detailed read of each day of this week’s trial click the links below:
- Trial for accused Huguenot High School graduation shooter officially underway
- 11 witnesses take the stand in day 2 of Huguenot graduation shooting trial
- Police interrogation, surveillance footage shown on day 3 of Huguenot graduation shooting trial
- Amari Pollard pleads guilty to first-degree murder for Huguenot graduation shooting
Who shot Lorenzo Smith and five other people that day?
Authorities have not identified any other suspects in the shooting death of Smith and the five other victims who survived the shooting. However, court records indicate that two of Jackson’s friends have been charged with reckless handling of a firearm.
Richmond Commonwealth Attorney Colette McEachin told 8News she is not ready to comment on the matter yet.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards will host a media briefing Friday at 10 a.m. in regard to Thursday’s sentencing, 8News will be in attendance.
