RICHMOND, Va. — A Richmond family is mourning the death of a woman who police say was shot and killed by the father of her newborn child just a day before her 34th birthday.
The Richmond Police Department said that 33-year-old Johnnita Russell was shot inside a home on Hunt Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24. She died at the scene.
Investigators identified the suspected shooter as 57-year-old Michael Sprauge, the father of Russell’s newborn daughter. Police said Sprauge was arrested Monday, Aug. 23 and charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Neighbors said the violence came as a shock.
“It’s real sad -- it’s just real sad," said Leceisha Brown, who lives on the same street. "I’ve lived here for seven years and nothing li