Richmond police find body under I-95 near Va. Union
Richmond police say they are investigating the discovery of the body of a homeless male this morning under Interstate 95.
Police said the body was discovered shortly before 9 a.m. under an elevated section of the interstate just off Lombardy Street, between Virginia Union and Maggie Walker's Governor School.
Late this morning, investigators were waiting for the medical examiner to arrive on the scene, and police were classifying the matter as a death investigation.
The victim's identity was not immediately released.
Reader Reactions
Re: It should be illegal to give money to panhandlers.
Yes, that would be wonderfully enlightened of us, wouldn’t it?
Reminds me of Anatole France, “The law, in its majesty, forbids rich and poor alike from sleeping under bridges.“
Tell us all, “revnhoj,“ what’s it like to be able to see the world as it is, so clearly, without the simpering fog of bleeding-heart emotion to cloud the view? Tell us more about how things really are.
They found a body in Richmond?? No way!! And again…how is this news?
As I’ve said before, it should be illegal to give panhandlers money.
Enabling only makes things worse for people. Sadly the bleeding heart types don’t understand the damage to which they contribute.
I suspect the article named Virginia Union College because more people know where that is opposed to Maggie Walker (I did not know the two facilities were near one another). If the article did not prominently identify a location, the first comment would surely have asked why.
As far as the pan handlers and homeless, there are programs available so that people do not have to pan handle. Most such programs require the participants to be sober however, and many of those that choose to pan handle, do so because their booze and drugs are more important to them than their dignity.
The police have their hands tied, in that it is not against the law to be homeless, and the pan handlers stop begging (put their signs down) when they see a cop car. All of the social workers in the world cannot help those that choose not to help themselves.
If people would stop feeding the pan handlers coins, perhaps they would stop begging, and get a job, or go to one of the available programs for assistance. I do agree that people do sometimes hold up a traffic line when (at a red light) they roll their window down to contribute to the pan handlers habits. The on- ramp at the Boulevard near the Diamond is a good example. I go by there every morning on the way to work and do not see anyone with signs indicating they are looking for work, yet at 5:00 PM (after the normal work day is over), I usually do see a few.
one 86..
As far as mentioning the college.. I guess it could have some value to students who may not always be familiar with streets in Richmond (from out of town)..
redskyatnight: That may be true; however my question is why would they have to identify either (VUU or MWGS)—particularly since I95 only crosses Lombardy in one location? The same holds true when they identify something as occurring “close” to VCU. If it doesn’t actually happen at VCU, then why is it necessary to say it happened “close” to VCU? What about in areas where there are no readily identifiable landmarks - don’t they just give the street location?? Do we as an all-consuming public need to know every detail - significant or not?
“Last, I would tell all of our uniformed officers to pull drivers who give money to panhandlers and let the driver know that they are undermining the programs that are designed to help homeless. They are also impeding traffic and will be issued a citation next time.“
Giving someone money is not a crime. On what statute would the police find cause to stop such person? I’m not sure what kind of people you end up behind, but I’ve never ever seen anyone driving along then stop dead in their tracks and toss money out the window. Most people are stopped at a light. If you’re at a red light, you’re not impeding traffic.
You’re other points make sense. You should have quit while you were ahead.
DC, Your first two points are right on. I agree 100%. In theory you are right on point three but the chances of the police being behind a driver giving a homeless guy money at an intersection is slim to none. The police can only do what lawmakers allow them to do, which is becoming less and less. Overall I think we feel the same way about the problem.
ahhh. I am so glad you asked mhatch. Well, first of all, I wouldn’t tip-toe around ordinances to eliminate panhandling from median strips. It is a safety issue! As the guy that almost got run down by a Greyhound bus on the Boulevard 2 days ago, while retrieving coins tossed towards him. The city council is too weak to support a paper that addresses panhandling BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO SPINE! That’s the way it will always be, because the large majority of voters HAVE NO SPINE.
Second, I would make it mandatory for homeless to utilize programs that are supported by tax dollars, and designed to help people get back on their feet. As CDBG money is handed out, it would come with a stipulation; ensure that anyone receiving services, attend and participate in programs! Once again, a lack of spine is the problem here.
Last, I would tell all of our uniformed officers to pull drivers who give money to panhandlers and let the driver know that they are undermining the programs that are designed to help homeless. They are also impeding traffic and will be issued a citation next time. Again, a lack of spine.
Have you found your spine?
Hey DC, I would love to hear your ideas what RPD can do with the vagrant problem. Are you offering to let them come to your house? Simply being a vagrant is not a crime.
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