Tanya Chavis Obituary, RICHMOND, Va. — Tanya Chavis, 58, of Richmond, has been identified by Richmond Police as the woman who was fatally shot on Dunston Avenue in a domestic-related incident that remains under investigation.
Richmond Police officers responded at approximately 12:01 p.m. to the 4000 block of Dunston Avenue following a report of a death investigation. When officers arrived, they found Chavis unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency personnel determined that she had died at the scene.
Detectives began investigating the circumstances surrounding Chavis’ death and developed a possible suspect shortly after the shooting. Authorities later obtained warrants for Corey Chavis, 48, also of Richmond, as the investigation progressed.
The homicide investigation led detectives and officers to Oakwood Cemetery in the 3100 block of Nine Mile Road. Richmond Police said officers found an adult man and woman inside a vehicle at the cemetery, prompting the response of the department’s SWAT Team.
During the police response, investigators said Corey Chavis shot himself inside the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman who had been inside the vehicle fled on foot but was quickly located and secured by officers. She was not injured.
Investigators have determined that the fatal shooting was domestic-related, although police have not released a specific motive. Authorities also have not fully detailed the relationship between Tanya Chavis and Corey Chavis.
The Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death for both Tanya Chavis and Corey Chavis. Richmond Police continue to investigate the homicide and the subsequent death of the suspected shooter.
As the investigation continues, Tanya Chavis is remembered as a Richmond resident whose life was cut short in a tragic incident. Her death has left questions still to be answered as detectives review evidence and work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at 804-646-3927 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. May Tanya Chavis be remembered with dignity as her loved ones and the Richmond community await further answers.
