Hopewell, Va. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal incident that occurred early Saturday morning in Hopewell. The woman, later identified as 57-year-old Renee Goode of Petersburg, was found unresponsive with apparent head trauma in the 200 block of South 7th Avenue.
At approximately 6:44 a.m. on May 3, 2025, officers with the Hopewell Police Department responded to a call reporting an unresponsive woman lying on the ground. Despite efforts to revive her, Goode was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have since determined that her death resulted from apparent trauma to the head.
Following an extensive investigation, Hopewell police charged 45-year-old Derek McPherson of Richmond with several serious offenses, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McPherson was taken into custody and is currently being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bond.
The Hopewell Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit continues to work diligently on the case, and authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Lead Detective Cameron List of the Hopewell Criminal Investigations Unit can be reached at 804-541-2284 for tips or further details.
As the investigation progresses, police are urging the public to assist with any relevant information that could help piece together the events leading up to Goode’s tragic death.
