Keyonna Ford and Unidentified Male Victim Fatally Shot in Richmond’s East End: Pregnant Teen “Yaya Mone’a” Among the Victims as Community Grapples with Tragedy, Gun Violence, and a City in Mourning
Richmond, Virginia — The Richmond community finds itself in a state of mourning and disbelief following the tragic deaths of 19-year-old Keyonna Ford, affectionately known as “Yaya Mone’a,” and an unidentified male victim, both of whom were fatally shot in a residential area in the city’s East End. The discovery of their bodies by a local neighbor has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, igniting grief, outrage, and renewed calls for an end to the rising tide of gun violence plaguing the city.
Adding an even more heart-wrenching layer to the tragedy, Keyonna Ford was pregnant at the time of her death. Authorities have not released how far along she was, but community members close to her have confirmed that she was excited about the pregnancy and had been preparing for a future as a young mother. The death of her unborn child compounds the community’s loss — not two, but three lives were extinguished in a single act of senseless violence.
This article seeks not only to report the facts but to honor the lives lost, to give voice to a grieving community, and to shed light on the systemic issues fueling this crisis.
Discovery and Initial Police Response
The bodies of Keyonna Ford and the unidentified man were found on the morning of April 26, 2025, in a modest neighborhood of Richmond’s East End, an area historically marked by economic disparities but also known for its resilience and tight community bonds. A neighbor, who had noticed an unusual stillness and signs of distress near the front of a house, made the horrifying discovery and immediately contacted authorities.
When the Richmond Police Department arrived on the scene, they confirmed that both victims had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Ford, already deceased, was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics attempted life-saving efforts on the male victim, but he, too, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The identities of the victims were not immediately released pending family notification. However, it was soon confirmed that the female victim was 19-year-old Keyonna Ford — known on social media and by friends as “Yaya Mone’a.” Her identity and age sparked an outpouring of emotion on social platforms, where she was remembered for her bright personality, kind spirit, and dreams of motherhood.
The Victims: Who Was Keyonna Ford?
Keyonna Ford was described by family and friends as a vivacious and caring young woman who loved music, fashion, and spending time with her loved ones. A recent high school graduate, she had been working part-time while preparing for motherhood, a role she reportedly embraced with joy and enthusiasm. “She lit up every room she walked into,” said her cousin Taneisha Brooks. “She was going to be an amazing mom.”
Her nickname, “Yaya Mone’a,” was a blend of childhood affection and her growing aspirations as a performer and content creator. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she had started building a modest following, where she often posted motivational quotes, dance videos, and updates about her pregnancy journey.
“Yaya was our sunshine,” said her grandmother, Dolores Ford. “She was only 19, but she had a heart full of dreams and love to give. This wasn’t supposed to be her story.”
Very little is known at this time about the unidentified male victim found alongside Ford. Police have withheld his name pending family notification and further investigation. What is clear, however, is that he too was a victim of this heinous act, and his death is no less tragic.
The Suspect: Found Dead in a Separate Incident
According to Richmond Police, the individual believed to be responsible for the shootings was found dead later that same day inside a home located several blocks from the original crime scene. While the authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the death was a suicide or the result of another confrontation, sources close to the investigation have indicated that no other suspects are currently being sought.
The death of the alleged perpetrator adds another layer of complexity and frustration to the case. “We may never fully understand the ‘why’ behind this,” said RPD Chief Gerald Smith. “But we are committed to thoroughly investigating every detail to ensure justice is done — for Keyonna, for her unborn child, and for the second victim.”
As of the latest reports, investigators are analyzing forensic evidence, canvassing the neighborhood, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area to piece together a complete timeline of events. Anyone with relevant information has been urged to come forward.
Community Response: Mourning and Mobilization
The Richmond community has responded with a flood of grief and anger, not only for the victims but also for the continued escalation of gun violence in the city. Memorials have sprung up near the scene of the shooting, with candles, balloons, flowers, and handwritten notes paying tribute to Keyonna Ford, her unborn child, and the unidentified male victim.
A vigil held the night after the shooting brought together over 200 residents, clergy, and local officials. The atmosphere was solemn yet unified. “We’re tired,” said Rev. Marcus Langston of the East End Interfaith Coalition. “We’re tired of burying our children. We’re tired of turning on the news and seeing another black body, another life stolen by bullets.”
Activist groups have renewed their calls for comprehensive gun control legislation, increased funding for mental health services, and targeted community investments aimed at addressing the root causes of violence — poverty, lack of opportunity, and systemic neglect.
“Keyonna’s life mattered,” said activist Jamila Strong of the Richmond Justice Collective. “And if this tragedy doesn’t move our leaders to act, then I don’t know what will.”
The Broader Context: Gun Violence in Richmond and the U.S.
Keyonna’s death is not an isolated incident. Richmond, like many American cities, has seen a troubling increase in gun-related homicides over the past several years. According to the Richmond Police Department’s annual report, the city saw a 22% increase in shootings involving youth victims between 2020 and 2024.
Nationally, gun violence remains the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States, surpassing motor vehicle accidents in recent years. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that firearm deaths among youth have increased by nearly 40% since 2019.
Experts attribute the surge to a combination of factors: increased gun ownership, pandemic-era stressors, social media-fueled conflicts, and the ready availability of illegal firearms. In underserved communities like Richmond’s East End, these issues are compounded by systemic inequality and disinvestment.
Dr. Aisha Simmons, a public health expert at Virginia Commonwealth University, emphasized the need for a multifaceted response: “We can’t police our way out of this. We need early intervention, community outreach, trauma-informed care, and stronger gun legislation.”
The Call to Action: A City Demands Change
As the investigation continues, city leaders are under mounting pressure to address both the immediate and long-term implications of the shooting. Mayor Levar Stoney issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging support to the victims’ families. “This is a devastating loss,” he said. “But it is also a call to action. We must come together — as a city and a society — to end this epidemic of violence.”
City Council is scheduled to meet later this week to discuss a new public safety initiative that includes:
- Expansion of youth mentorship programs
- Increased community policing with accountability
- Mental health services for at-risk populations
- Enhanced partnerships with local schools and faith groups
- Gun buy-back programs and education on firearm safety
Meanwhile, grassroots efforts continue to gain momentum. Local nonprofits, churches, and resident coalitions have launched fundraisers, support groups, and advocacy campaigns in memory of Keyonna Ford.
Remembering the Victims: A Legacy of Love and Loss
For those who knew Keyonna Ford personally, her death represents a shattering of promise. Her story is no longer one of beginnings — of motherhood, music, and ambition — but of a life stolen before it could fully unfold. Yet in mourning, there is also resolve.
“She was more than a victim,” said her best friend, Latrice McCall. “She was a daughter, a sister, a soon-to-be mother, and someone who believed in her future. We will carry that light forward, even if she can’t.”
As Richmond continues to grapple with this painful loss, the memory of Keyonna Ford — and of the lives lost with hers — will not be forgotten. The names of the victims, once spoken in joy and familiarity, will now also echo as a call to justice, remembrance, and lasting change.
Conclusion: Justice and Healing Ahead
The road to healing is long, and for the families affected, it may never be complete. But as the investigation proceeds, and as the city mobilizes for reform and reflection, the hope remains that from tragedy can come transformation.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Richmond Police Department at (804) 646-6764
