‘Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children’: One person in custody over a week after deadly assault in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Richmond Police Department has an update on the investigation into the deadly assault of a 26-year-old Midlothian man that happened over a week ago. One person has been arrested and investigators have now spoken to three other persons of interest in connection to the assault.

According to police, 27-year-old Nico Rivera of the Mechanicsville area turned himself in at police headquarters on Saturday, Oct. 19. He has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Jacob Baldwin , who died days after he was hit in the head in Scott’s Addition.

Detective Lewis Burrell is one of the investigators assigned to this case. He told 8News that this search for answers is — at least in part — motivated by a desire to help Baldwin’s family.

“Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children and that should hit home with somebody –specifically people that know about the incident,” Burrell said. “Let’s help give the family what we can in terms of closure, because a piece of them is going to be missing for the rest of their lives.”

It’s that search for information that led police to the three persons of interest previously identified in this case. They have since been found and spoken to by police. Burrell told 8News why they, in particular, were being sought by investigators.

“They’re persons of interest because they were in the immediate area when the assault took place,” Burell said. “Other people were, as well — but these are the main three that we’re focusing on. We know them to have more information about the specifics that took place.”

Police believe that, on Saturday, Oct. 12, Baldwin was involved in some sort of fight in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood in Richmond’s Northside. They say that the area where he was found is a busy place, with several bars and gaming places — but it’s usually safe.

Police found Baldwin around 2:15 a.m. that Saturday, down in the intersection of West Marshall and North Sheppard streets with an injury to his head. He was taken to a hospital, where he died four days later .

At this time, Rivera is the only person charged in connection with Baldwin’s death. The three persons of interest are not being charged.

Police said that, while they are not looking for any more people in connection to Baldwin’s assault, the investigation remains ongoing. If you know anything about this incident, you are asked to contact the department at 804-814-7123.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.