Tanya Chavis Richmond Cause of Death: 58-Year-Old Woman Killed in Fatal Shooting as Police Investigate Domestic-Related Homicide
The Richmond, Virginia, community is mourning the death of 58-year-old Tanya Chavis, who was fatally shot Monday afternoon in South Richmond. Police identified Chavis as the victim after officers responded to an apartment complex on Dunston Avenue and discovered her suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
According to Richmond Police, officers were called to the 4000 block of Dunston Avenue, near Forest Hill Park, at approximately 12:01 p.m. on August 10, 2026, following a report of a death investigation. When officers arrived, they found Chavis unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities subsequently identified Corey Chavis, 48, of Richmond, as the suspect in the homicide. Police obtained warrants related to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
The investigation then led officers to Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond’s East End, approximately seven miles from the original shooting location. Police located Corey Chavis inside a vehicle with another woman. A SWAT response was initiated as officers secured the area.
According to Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards, Corey Chavis shot himself as officers approached the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the cemetery. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle, while the woman inside escaped unharmed and was taken into police custody for questioning.
Police said the woman is cooperating with detectives and is not expected to face charges. Investigators believe she and the suspect knew each other. No officers, bystanders, or other civilians were injured during the response at the cemetery.
Authorities have described the shooting as domestic-related, although the precise relationship between Tanya Chavis and Corey Chavis has not been publicly disclosed. Police also said the motive remains unknown as the investigation continues.
For Tanya’s family and friends, her death represents a devastating and sudden loss. At 58 years old, she was taken from those who knew and loved her in circumstances that have left the Richmond community seeking answers.
The investigation remains active, and officials are expected to examine evidence from both the Dunston Avenue apartment and Oakwood Cemetery. Investigators may also interview witnesses and review any available surveillance footage as they work to establish a complete timeline.
The Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death for both Tanya Chavis and the suspect, according to Richmond Police.
Because the investigation is ongoing, details concerning Tanya’s personal life, family, occupation, and other biographical information should be shared only when confirmed by relatives or an official obituary.
The circumstances of the shooting have understandably generated concern in the surrounding community. However, police have not indicated that an unidentified armed suspect remains at large in connection with the killing. The person identified as the suspect was located and died at Oakwood Cemetery.
For those who knew Tanya, the focus now turns toward remembering her life rather than simply the circumstances of her death. Family and friends will be left to preserve memories of the woman they knew while navigating the grief caused by her sudden passing.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is being asked to contact Richmond Police or Crime Stoppers. Authorities continue to seek information that could help clarify the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
As the investigation progresses, additional information may emerge regarding the relationship between the victim and suspect, the motive, and the events that preceded the shooting.
Tanya Chavis, 58, of Richmond, Virginia, was fatally shot at an apartment on Dunston Avenue on August 10, 2026. Richmond Police have classified the incident as domestic-related and continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
