HOPEWELL, Va. — A tragic shooting at the Piper Square Apartment complex in Hopewell has left residents shaken and calling for an end to the violence that has plagued their community.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, 37-year-old Endraqus Thomal Range was fatally shot multiple times in broad daylight at approximately 4:15 p.m. Officers from the Hopewell Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Piper Square Drive after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Range deceased at the scene, along with his dog, who had also been shot.
Neighbors expressed their horror and grief over the incident, emphasizing the impact of such violence in a community where children often play nearby. “The city is too small to be losin’ people every day,” one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “It’s broad daylight. The children are getting off the bus. Normally, children would be there at the park … thank God they weren’t there at the time.”
The shooting has sparked calls from residents for a stop to the cycle of violence. The neighbor urged those involved to “put them guns down,” noting the loss of both human and animal life. “That’s somebody’s child life you’ve just taken, no matter how old or how young,” the neighbor said. “And it could have been an emotional support dog … it’s still a life.”
Police have arrested 21-year-old Dayon Elijah Williams of Hopewell in connection with the shooting. He faces charges of second-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and animal cruelty. Williams is currently being held without bond at Riverside Regional Jail.
The investigation into the homicide is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward by contacting the Hopewell Police Department at 804-541-2284.
Residents remain hopeful for change. “Stop this trend, this violent trend — we have a younger generation coming up. They look up to us,” the neighbor said. “They’re going to do what they see us do … and if you don’t change it, nothing is going to change.”
