Emergency Response and Medical Status

Hilliard’s condition was later confirmed by hospital officials to be stable. The bullet reportedly caused soft tissue damage but did not strike any major arteries or bones. He was treated and later released from the hospital, though he is expected to undergo follow-up treatment, including physical therapy and evaluation for possible psychological trauma.

“We are thankful that the injury was not more severe,” said Henrico Police spokesperson Sgt. LaToya Byrd. “However, any incident involving gunfire in our community is a serious concern, and we are pursuing every lead to identify the suspect responsible.”

Ongoing Investigation

As of Saturday morning, detectives have yet to make an arrest, but the investigation remains active. Officers have interviewed multiple individuals who were present outside the 7-Eleven at the time of the shooting, some of whom have provided partial accounts of the suspect’s actions and appearance.

Security footage from the store and surrounding businesses is being reviewed in hopes of identifying the shooter or any vehicles connected to the incident. Investigators are also working to determine whether the altercation was random or if there is a longer history between Hilliard and the assailant.

Henrico Police have asked for public assistance, urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have surveillance footage from the surrounding area to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or online via the department’s secure portal.

Community Concerns and Reactions

The shooting has rattled residents and business owners along Horsepen Road, a commercial strip that runs through an otherwise residential area. The 7-Eleven convenience store, typically open 24 hours, closed temporarily following the incident as a precaution and to allow police to conduct their investigation.

“This is not the kind of thing you expect to happen here,” said Maria Santos, a cashier at a nearby sandwich shop. “We get people coming in late at night, but it’s always been calm. It makes you think twice now.”

Pastor Raymond Ellis of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, located just a few blocks from the scene, addressed the incident during his Friday morning community prayer session. “Violence has no place in our neighborhoods — whether it’s over a misunderstanding or something deeper, there are other ways to resolve conflict,” Ellis said.

Gun Violence in the Suburbs

While Henrico County is not typically associated with high rates of gun violence, data from the past three years indicates a gradual increase in firearm-related incidents. A 2024 report from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services noted that suburban counties around Richmond, including Henrico, have seen a 17% uptick in shootings since 2021 — many of them stemming from interpersonal disputes rather than organized crime.

Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors: increased firearm availability, economic stressors, unresolved community tensions, and a decline in effective conflict resolution education, particularly among younger demographics.

“This kind of violence is not confined to big cities anymore,” said Dr. Alicia Morton, a criminologist at Virginia Commonwealth University. “Suburban and exurban communities are seeing more of these isolated but impactful incidents. What’s most concerning is that they often involve people who know each other — former friends, neighbors, even relatives.”

Victim Background: Kendall Hilliard

According to public records and social media accounts, Kendall Hilliard is a lifelong Henrico County resident with ties to the West End and Highland Springs neighborhoods. He has no major criminal history and is known by friends and family as a “calm and respectful guy.” Several of Hilliard’s friends have taken to Facebook to express their relief that he is recovering and their hope that justice will be served.

“He didn’t deserve this,” wrote one commenter. “Whatever happened, no one deserves to be shot over words.”

Attempts to reach Hilliard for comment have so far been unsuccessful. A representative from the hospital where he was treated confirmed he has requested privacy while recovering.

Next Steps

As the investigation continues, Henrico Police plan to maintain increased patrols in the area surrounding the 6300 block of Horsepen Road — not only to deter potential retaliatory violence but also to reassure residents that their safety remains a priority.

Officials reiterated their message to the community: even small tips can be critical in helping solve cases like this. “If someone saw something — even if they think it’s minor — it can help,” said Sgt. Byrd.

The case remains open, and police are expected to provide additional updates as leads develop.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Henrico County Police Department at (804) 501-5000 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

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