Judge Sentences Richmond Man for Fatal Church Shooting
Kordell Wall received 15 years in prison for the murder of 36-year-old Kwaivon Dejesus outside a church.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence
Kordell Wall was sentenced to 15 years in prison following his plea deal for the murder of Kwaivon Dejesus. The incident took place on the 1400 block of West Cary Street after an argument.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a case involving a shooting that occurred outside a church, where attendees had expressed prior discomfort regarding Wall's presence due to rumors of his involvement in other local violence.
Kordell Wall received a 15-year sentence after accepting a plea deal, which includes three years for firearm use and a suspended portion of 28 years from his murder conviction. The sentencing was finalized on October 20, 2026.
The players
Kordell Wall
He is a 20-year-old who was on felony probation at the time of the fatal shooting.
Kwaivon Dejesus
He was a 36-year-old victim who had previously served a nearly 19-year prison sentence.
Tracy Thorne-Begland
He is the judge who presided over the case and delivered the sentence.
The details
Surveillance video shows that after an argument during a repass, 36-year-old Kwaivon Dejesus lunged at the 20-year-old Wall. Wall then produced a pistol and shot the unarmed Dejesus four times.
Timeline
October 29, 2025: Kordell Wall shot and killed Kwaivon Dejesus.
August 2026: Kordell Wall entered a plea deal.
October 20, 2026: Kordell Wall received his court sentence.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the Commonwealth of Virginia's sentencing guidelines for firearm-related violent crime. The outcome demonstrates how mandatory firearm enhancements integrate with plea-based sentencing in Richmond courts.
The resolution of this case closes a violent incident that occurred in a public setting on West Cary Street. Residents in the area were previously alerted to safety concerns due to rumors surrounding the suspect's history of violence.
The takeaway
This case highlights the legal consequences of firearm use during interpersonal conflicts, specifically for those already on probation. It serves as a reminder of the severity of charges for individuals who bring weapons into community spaces.
Further reading
For more information on local legal updates, visit the Richmond violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 8News.
