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Former cheerleader killed in Richmond shooting was ‘giving heart’

Posted at 8:53 PM, Sep 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-02 20:53:15-04

RICHMOND, Va. – The parents of a college student gunned down along Hull Street in August are pleading for the public to help police catch her killer.

20-year-old Krissia Henderson-Burrus

The crime happened on Richmond’s Southside when officers were called to the 4000 block of Hull Street Road for a shooting report just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25.

“Upon arrival they located a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole and two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds,” police said.

Crime Insider sources said a car pulled up to the car 20-year-old Krissia Henderson-Burrus was driving, with 23-year-old Javon Manuel in the passenger’s seat, and sprayed it with bullets.

A police spokesperson said  both victims were taken to the hospital. Burrus died the next morning.

Burrus’ mother, Kristy Burrus Clay, and stepfather, Kelvin Clay, said the tragedy has devastated their family.

“I get the call and he’s crying and he said, ‘Krissia’s been shot,’” Kristy Clay said. “I can’t get her life back. It’s gone – and it’s gone from a senseless act.”

Burrus’ parents said the former high school cheerleader was going into her sophomore year of college.

“So instead of school, we’re burying our daughter,” Kelvin Clay said.

The 20-year-old was remembered for her big smile and generous spirit.

“Anybody that knew her loved her,” Kristy Clay said. “Giving heart — she was so generous.”

The couple want answers and justice for the ones who ended her life.

“I want these people that took my daughter’s life to get caught,” Kristy Clay said. “So please, please, if you know of anything, I would love for them to come forward, so you can give me some closure to this.”

Friends and family hosted a vigil in Burrus’ honor at Thomas Dale High School Sunday at 7:30 p.m.