Vigil held on Riverside Drive for slain Chesterfield teen

There was a candle lighting and vigil along Riverside Drive for slain teen Osbin Hernandez-Gonzales Tuesday tonight. More than 100 friends, family, classmates and concerned citizens gathered to march from Pony Pasture to Huguenot Flatwater. After marching behind a police escort to Huguenot Flatwater, the group gathered at the Oxford Road entrance  to Huguenot Flatwater. The […]

July 26, 2011; 10:43 PM • by Phil Riggan

There was a candle lighting and vigil along Riverside Drive for slain teen Osbin Hernandez-Gonzales Tuesday tonight. More than 100 friends, family, classmates and concerned citizens gathered to march from Pony Pasture to Huguenot Flatwater.

After marching behind a police escort to Huguenot Flatwater, the group gathered at the Oxford Road entrance  to Huguenot Flatwater. The mourners had a moment of silence for Hernandez-Gonzales and several people prayed and spoke in memory of the teen, who was to be a 10th grader at Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield County. He was found murdered at Huguenot Flatwater early Sunday morning.

After about 30 minutes, the group then marched back to Pony Pasture, many still crying and hugging. There were many mourners with white t-shirts with the message “R.I.P. Osbin.” The largely Hispanic crowd was mostly made of teens and young adults. There were also many children. 

There were also about 10 police officers and detectives. Some were there for protection and to manage the roadway – which was shut down to vehicles for about an hour. I suspect some were there hoping to gather more clues as to why Hernandez-Gonzales was shot and left for dead in such an unusual place for a murder.

The beautiful scenic stretch of Riverside Drive is accustomed to million-dollar homes and outdoors lovers. It is common to find joggers, bikers, bird-watchers, fisherman, dog-walkers, vehicles towing gear for paddle trips and cars cruising along the roadway. It is not the place one would expect to experience violence.

NBC12’s Tara Morgan had more coverage today detailing the homicide investigation:

Investigators don’t believe the killing was random. Richmond police released the victim’s picture Monday in hopes of finding out any new information about what happened, but said no new tips have come in. The hope his friends and acquaintances will come forward. His friends also pleaded for answers.

 See my flickr account for more photos of the vigil.

 

July 26, 2011 10:43 PM 0