Hopewell Mourns the Loss of Sharod Tucker After Fatal Stabbing; Suspect in Custody
HOPEWELL, VA — The Hopewell community is grappling with shock and sorrow following the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Sharod Tucker, a resident of the city, in a violent early morning incident on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
According to the Hopewell Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of South 4th Avenue at approximately 12:01 a.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance involving a stabbing. When they arrived on the scene, first responders found Tucker suffering from a critical stab wound. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following a swift investigation, police identified and arrested Raimona Renee Freeman, whose age and relationship to the victim have not yet been publicly disclosed. Freeman has been taken into custody and is facing criminal charges in connection with the fatal stabbing. The exact charges have not been fully outlined by authorities, but police confirm that the case is being treated as a homicide.
Officials have not yet released a potential motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the incident appears to be isolated. Detectives are working to gather more information, including witness statements and surveillance footage from nearby properties.
The death of Sharod Tucker has left his family and community in mourning. Described by those who knew him as a kind, charismatic, and hardworking individual, Tucker was well-known in Hopewell. Friends recall him as someone who always had a word of encouragement and a heart open to others.
“He was someone you could count on,” said Angela Moore, a longtime friend. “He loved his family, loved his neighborhood, and he didn’t deserve this. This has left a hole in all of our hearts.”
Local leaders and community organizations have spoken out, expressing condolences to Tucker’s family while calling for peace and unity in the wake of the tragedy. Hopewell Mayor Patricia Holloway released a brief statement, saying, “This is a deeply painful loss for our city. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mr. Tucker, and we support our police department in its efforts to bring justice in this case.”
A growing memorial has formed on the sidewalk near the scene, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes left by grieving residents. Family members say they are planning a public vigil in the coming days to honor Sharod’s life and to begin the healing process.
Freeman is currently being held at the Riverside Regional Jail, and court records indicate that an initial hearing will take place in the coming days. Additional charges may be filed as new details emerge from the investigation.
The Hopewell Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact their Criminal Investigations Unit at (804) 541-2284 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers at (804) 541-2202.
As the investigation moves forward, the community remains united in its call for justice, healing, and an end to senseless acts of violence.