First-Degree Murder Conviction Secured Following Three-Day Jury Trial

First-Degree Murder Conviction Secured Following Three-Day Jury Trial

Williamsburg, VA — June 13, 2025 — After nearly three years of diligent investigative work and a determined pursuit of justice, a jury has returned a guilty verdict in the 2022 homicide of Alfred Johnson. On June 12, 2025, Lee Rondell Richardson, 43, was convicted of first-degree murder and related firearm charges following a three-day trial in Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court.

This conviction marks a significant milestone in a case that shocked the community and mobilized a strong collaborative law enforcement effort. The jury found Richardson guilty of First-Degree Murder under Virginia Code § 18.2-32 and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony under § 18.2-53.1. The verdict brings closure to a case that began on a tragic evening in September 2022 and has since involved intense investigative and prosecutorial coordination.

The Crime

On the evening of September 13, 2022, officers from the Williamsburg Police Department responded to a report of a man with a gunshot wound in the 2600 block of Chickahominy Road. When they arrived on scene, they discovered 38-year-old Alfred Johnson suffering from a fatal gunshot injury. Despite immediate efforts, Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The incident shocked the neighborhood and prompted an immediate investigation. The Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) of the Williamsburg Police Department swiftly took over the case. Detectives processed the scene, conducted witness interviews, and began collecting physical and digital evidence.

Rapid Break in the Case

Within just a few days, CIU detectives identified Lee Rondell Richardson as a person of interest. Investigators worked tirelessly to verify Richardson’s location and potential connections to the crime. On September 22, 2022, authorities received credible information that Richardson was in Newport News.

In a coordinated effort involving the Newport News Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local detectives, a surveillance operation was launched. Richardson was located, detained, and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning, where he was formally charged with the murder of Alfred Johnson.

A Collaborative Effort Toward Justice

From the moment Richardson was taken into custody, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors worked together to build a robust case. The Williamsburg/James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office partnered closely with investigators, ensuring that all legal avenues were thoroughly explored and that the evidence would hold firm under trial scrutiny.

Years of effort culminated in the start of the trial on June 10, 2025. Over the course of three days, the prosecution laid out a comprehensive and compelling case, presenting forensic findings, witness testimony, and expert analysis to establish Richardson’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

On June 12, the jury returned with a verdict: guilty on all charges.

Awaiting Sentencing

Richardson remains in custody at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, where he has been held since his arrest in 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at which point a judge will determine the penalties Richardson will face for his crimes. Under Virginia law, a first-degree murder conviction carries a sentence of 20 years to life in prison, and the firearm conviction may add additional mandatory time.

A Message of Gratitude and Justice

The Williamsburg Police Department released a statement following the conviction, offering their appreciation for all those who played a part in securing justice:

“We commend the tireless efforts of our officers, detectives, forensic teams, and our partners in the Newport News Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. This case highlights the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of our justice system to seek accountability for violent crimes. Most importantly, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Alfred Johnson. We hope this conviction brings them a sense of justice, peace, and closure.”

The case underscores the continued importance of community cooperation, inter-agency coordination, and steadfast pursuit of justice in the aftermath of senseless violence. As the community remembers Alfred Johnson, his family can now move forward knowing that his life was not forgotten—and that justice has finally been served.