RICHMOND, Va. — A heartbreaking end to a weeklong search has left a Richmond family in mourning. The body of Quamel Washington, 30, was discovered Monday afternoon behind a recycling plant in the 700 block of Hull Street Road, days after he was reported missing.
Washington, a devoted father of two young boys and a guiding figure in the lives of his two stepdaughters, was last seen on July 7. His sudden disappearance prompted a joint effort between the Richmond Police Department and Chesterfield County authorities, who had been working tirelessly on the case.
The discovery of his body came after a local resident noticed a foul odor near the area. What was initially believed to be a deceased animal turned out to be something far more devastating.
“We smelled a real putrid smell, and we was trying to figure out whether it was a dead animal so we could call Animal Control,” the man who found the body told CBS 6 Crime Insider Jon Burkett. “It was a deceased person. Stomach turning.”
Now, the Richmond Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation. Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, a homicide detective has been assigned to the case, and the Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the circumstances surrounding Washington’s death.
“A homicide detective is assigned to that,” said Richmond Police Missing Person’s Detective Clarence Key. “I’m really waiting to hear what the update is from the ME’s office, and they’re running with and following up with any leads, any call-ins that may come in.”
Washington’s death has stunned his community and left a gaping void in the lives of the children who knew him as their father and protector. Loved ones describe him as caring, responsible, and dedicated to his family.
As investigators continue to follow leads, anyone with information is urged to contact Richmond Police. Meanwhile, a family grieves the loss of a man whose life ended far too soon, and a city looks for answers in the wake of tragedy.
Leave a Reply