Zion Terry Killed in Domestic Shooting at 5th Avenue Home
The search for 41-year-old Levy Nelson ended after a tense and rapidly escalating series of events that authorities say followed a violent domestic-related shooting inside a Richmond home, leaving one young man dead and two others injured.
The incident began early Tuesday morning, April 21, 2026, when Richmond police were dispatched to the 3100 block of 5th Avenue in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers entered a chaotic and violent scene inside the residence.
Inside the home, authorities found 18-year-old Zion Terry suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death marked the most severe outcome of the shooting and became the central tragedy of the unfolding case.
Two additional victims were also located at the scene: a 38-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl. Both were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Officials later confirmed that the woman’s condition had stabilized and is no longer considered life-threatening, while the teenage girl remains in critical condition and continues to receive intensive treatment.
Following the shooting, investigators quickly identified Levy Nelson as the primary suspect. Law enforcement agencies launched a coordinated search effort that combined traditional investigative work with modern tracking tools, including license plate reader data and information provided by members of the public. These efforts helped authorities trace his movements beyond Richmond.
The search eventually led to Henrico County, where the situation intensified. According to officials, Nelson attempted to evade capture and struck multiple vehicles during the pursuit, including police units. A Henrico police officer was injured during the confrontation, highlighting the dangerous and rapidly evolving nature of the incident.
Nelson was ultimately taken into custody following the pursuit. He has since been charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed and witness statements are processed.
Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting, with a particular focus on the domestic context of the incident. Investigators note that such cases often involve complex personal histories and escalating tensions, and they are working to piece together the sequence of events that resulted in such severe violence.
As the legal process moves forward, the human impact of the tragedy remains at the forefront. The death of Zion Terry has left a deep sense of grief in the Richmond community, while the recovery of the surviving victims continues to weigh heavily on their families and loved ones.
What began as a domestic incident has now become a multi-agency criminal case spanning multiple jurisdictions, leaving behind a community trying to process loss, injury, and unanswered questions as the investigation continues.