Richmond, VA – Investigation Underway After Woman Found Deceased in Rosecrest Avenue Home
Richmond, Virginia – A quiet neighborhood in the city’s east end was the focus of an intense police investigation Tuesday morning following the discovery of a woman found deceased inside her residence. Authorities have identified the individual as Teresa Jackson, a 64-year-old resident of Rosecrest Avenue, whose life was tragically cut short under circumstances that remain under active investigation.
According to the Richmond Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Rosecrest Avenue around 7:41 a.m. on Tuesday, following a request for a welfare check. The call, placed by a concerned acquaintance who had reportedly been unable to reach Jackson for several days, led to a deeply troubling discovery.
Upon arrival, responding officers entered the home and found Teresa Jackson unresponsive, suffering from what appeared to be a firearm-related injury. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a full autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death, as required in all cases involving unexplained or suspicious fatalities.
A Neighborhood in Shock
The Rosecrest Avenue neighborhood, known for its modest, tree-lined streets and multigenerational households, was rattled by the police presence and yellow crime scene tape early Tuesday morning. Several neighbors gathered quietly outside their homes, trying to make sense of the events unfolding just steps away.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said one long-time resident, who described Jackson as a friendly and independent woman who had lived on the street for over a decade. “She kept to herself mostly, but she always said hello. She didn’t deserve anything like this.”
Many residents reported being unaware of any disturbances or suspicious activity in the days leading up to the welfare check. Others expressed concern that no one had noticed something was wrong sooner.
“Sometimes we forget how important it is to check on each other,” said another neighbor. “You never expect something like this to happen right next door.”
Initial Response and Crime Scene Investigation
Within minutes of the officers’ discovery, the area was secured as an active crime scene. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division arrived shortly thereafter and began the process of collecting evidence, photographing the scene, and conducting initial interviews with neighbors and potential witnesses.
The home was cordoned off for most of the day, and forensic investigators were seen entering and exiting the residence, working carefully to preserve every detail that could assist in determining what happened to Jackson and who may be responsible.
Police have not yet disclosed whether there were any signs of forced entry, nor have they shared information regarding potential suspects or motives. However, they did confirm that the case is being handled as a homicide investigation.
No Arrests Made – Public’s Help Requested
As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made, and police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual on Rosecrest Avenue in the hours or days leading up to Tuesday morning.
“This is still an open and very active investigation,” a police spokesperson said during a brief press conference. “We are following all leads and working closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office. We ask that anyone who may have relevant information—no matter how small it might seem—contact our detectives.”
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, a confidential reporting service that has helped solve numerous cases across Richmond in recent years.
Remembering Teresa Jackson
Though details surrounding her death remain unclear, those who knew Teresa Jackson are choosing to remember her life, not just the tragedy that ended it.
Jackson, who was 64, had reportedly retired from a local healthcare position several years earlier and lived alone in her modest single-story home. According to neighbors and friends, she was known for her warm greetings, occasional gardening, and deep love for her family—even though they lived out of town.
“She was always on her porch in the mornings, sipping her coffee,” one neighbor recalled. “It just doesn’t feel real that she’s gone.”
A former coworker who worked alongside Jackson in the early 2000s said she was known for her kindness, patience, and sense of humor. “Teresa always put others first,” they said. “Whether it was a coworker having a bad day or a patient who needed a little extra time, she always made space for people.”
Ongoing Concerns About Violence in Richmond
While police have not linked this case to any broader crime trends, Jackson’s death comes amid a series of concerning incidents throughout Richmond and its surrounding areas in recent months. Community leaders have called for increased neighborhood engagement, stronger public safety programs, and renewed focus on mental health and domestic violence awareness.
“We continue to see families and communities devastated by loss,” said one local activist. “What happened on Rosecrest Avenue is not just one household’s tragedy—it’s a community issue. It’s a call to action.”
In response, several city council members have proposed expanding funding for community patrols and trauma response teams, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Public forums are also being planned to discuss community safety and resources for residents who feel vulnerable or isolated.
The Role of the Medical Examiner
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) plays a pivotal role in this investigation. Their findings—based on a full autopsy, toxicology screening, and a comprehensive forensic review—will not only confirm how Teresa Jackson died but may also provide essential clues for investigators.
The cause of death refers to the medical reason behind the loss of life (e.g., injury, illness), while the manner of death will classify the circumstances as natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined. In suspected homicide cases, these findings often inform the type and severity of charges that may later be filed.
Results are expected to be returned to investigators within several days to weeks, depending on case complexity.
Community Support and Vigil Plans
In the wake of the tragedy, community members have begun organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Teresa Jackson’s life and show solidarity with those who loved her. Though Jackson lived alone, many in the neighborhood regarded her as a quiet but comforting presence—someone who added stability to the block.
Local church leaders, who had known Jackson through her occasional attendance at community events, offered words of comfort during evening prayer services. “Let us remember Teresa not for the violence that found her, but for the grace she brought to her everyday life,” one minister said.
The vigil is expected to take place outside her home later this week, with friends, neighbors, and city officials in attendance. Organizers are also collecting donations to assist with funeral arrangements and possible memorial efforts.
A Call for Justice
While the Richmond Police Department continues its work, many are calling for swift justice and transparency in the investigative process. Family members, some of whom have begun arriving from out of town, expressed gratitude to the public for their support and asked for privacy as they grieve.
Law enforcement has promised to keep the public informed as new developments emerge. In the meantime, investigators are sorting through physical evidence, reviewing surveillance footage from the area, and pursuing digital leads that may shed light on what happened inside that quiet home on Rosecrest Avenue.
How You Can Help
Anyone with information related to the death of Teresa Jackson is urged to contact the Richmond Police Department Major Crimes Division or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers by calling (804) 780-1000. All information is treated with strict confidentiality, and tipsters may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Teresa Jackson has not only left a void in the hearts of those who knew her but has also sent a wave of grief and concern through her Richmond neighborhood. As investigators work to uncover the truth, the community is coming together to mourn, reflect, and demand accountability.
This is a developing story. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
