ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Roanoke police have released the identities of the victims of a deadly shooting that sent four others to the hospital early Sunday.
Ronald L. Ramey, 55, of Roanoke and Lenard A. Hamlett, 29, or Roanoke died in the shooting that happened at former the Obenchain's Greenhouses.
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The four other individuals who suffered gunshot wounds in the incident have been identified as:
- Nelson Mikal Sanders, age 22, of Roanoke.
- Jamar Antonio James, age 27, of Roanoke.
- John Ethan English, age 36, of Roanoke.
- Kente Gilkes, age 33, of Roanoke.
Investigators said all six individuals were attending a large private party at 3626 Shenandoah Avenue NW when shots were fired. The police department is in the process of determining who was responsible for renting the building and hosting the party. The party appears to have started after all ABC licensed businesses had closed for the evening.
Evidence collected at the scene indicates that alcohol, drugs, and firearms were present at the party. Responding officers said they found a large, disorderly crowd that had been inside the building when the shooting occurred. Officers, and other first-responders, dealt with a lack of cooperation from individuals on scene when administering aid to the victims and obtaining details as to what occurred.
People in the area say they typically go inside the building to watch football games and play cards. It's a spot where people can relax for the weekend.
Shawn Turner is a barber, and said he cannot believe the shooting happened less than block away from where he cuts hair.
"It's good around here, the neighborhood, the people, so when stuff like that happens it definitely hits close to home," Turner said.
Turner usually goes to the spot to relax and watch bowl games.
"Everybody in the barbershop has been over there, it's a neighborhood spot, it kind of hits close to home," Turner said.
Turner planned to go there late Saturday evening, but instead he went to bed.
He said he's grateful he dodged a shooting that could have ended his life.
"It could have been mine (life) as well, that's a blessing too, prayers go out to everybody involved," Turner said.
Investigators have not mentioned names of the victims, or suspects.
Police have not said this is a homicide, but if so, this would already equal the amount of the entire year of 2014's homicides.