Richmond Family Marks Five Years Since Poonsammy Killing
The family of Dylan Poonsammy continues to seek justice as the unsolved Richmond homicide investigation remains active.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Violence
The family of 24-year-old Dylan Poonsammy marked the five-year anniversary of his death this week in Richmond. Poonsammy was fatally shot at the 404 Rivertowne Apartments on October 24, 2021.
Why it matters
The case remains an active investigation that has challenged local law enforcement for years. Authorities are still working to resolve the homicide following the release of a previously arrested suspect.
The Richmond Police Department transferred the investigation to its cold case unit in 2025. A suspect previously arrested for conspiracy to commit murder was released, leaving the homicide officially unsolved.
The players
Dylan Poonsammy
He was a 24-year-old victim of a fatal shooting at a Richmond apartment complex.
Richmond Police Department
This local law enforcement agency holds jurisdiction over the ongoing investigation into the homicide.
The details
Dylan Poonsammy was shot in the back multiple times during the incident at the 404 Rivertowne Apartments. Investigators are continuing to review evidence as the case now rests with the department's cold case unit.
Timeline
Oct. 24, 2021: Dylan Poonsammy was shot and killed.
2025: The case was transferred to the cold case unit.
Oct. 24, 2026: Five-year anniversary of the killing.
Legal Context
The case follows a pattern established by the 2025 cold case unit transition in Richmond. This move signals a departmental shift in how the city manages long-term unsolved homicides as leads dry up over time.
The ongoing lack of a conviction in this shooting affects the local community by keeping questions open about safety at the 404 Rivertowne Apartments. Residents and families in the area remain focused on the status of this unsolved violent crime.
The takeaway
The transition of this investigation to a cold case unit highlights the persistent nature of unsolved crimes in urban jurisdictions. Families affected by such violence often rely on anniversary milestones to keep public attention focused on the search for answers.
Further reading
For more on safety and local investigations, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 8News.
