
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, August 27, 1994                   TAG: 9408290039
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

RICHMOND MURDERS NEAR 1993 TOTAL

Less than eight months into 1994, Richmond police have responded to nearly as many murders they did in all of 1993.

The slaying of a man found Thursday morning brought the city's homicide total to 111 - within one of last year's total of 112.

The greatest number of homicides recorded in a year was 120, in 1992.

Mayor Leonidas Young's administrative assistant, Alicia Rasin, said she has been responding to several residents who have voiced concerns about safety, crime and drug activity.

The city recently held a two-day crime summit to try to come up with plans to fight the violence. Local officials came up with several proposals, including a temporary declaration of martial law.

The latest homicide victim was found near the passenger side of a red pickup truck that apparently veered off the road and into some bushes and a parked car, police said.

People nearby said they heard shots and a car speeding away, but no bullet holes were found in the truck.

``Richmond is a dangerous place to be,'' said a sales contractor from Hopewell who was working in the area of the latest homicide.

by CNB