From Roanoke City Police: Police have confirmed the identities of the two murder victims in the shooting incident on January 4, 2015 in the 3600 block of Shenandoah Avenue NW: Ronald Lee Ramey, age 55, of Roanoke. Ramey was pronounced dead at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Lenard Antonio Hamlett, age 29, of Roanoke. Hamlett was pronounced dead at the scene. The four other individuals who suffered gunshot wounds in the incident have been identified as: Nelson Mikal Sanders, age 22, of Roanoke; Jamar Antonio James, age 27, of Roanoke; John Ethan English, age 36, of Roanoke; and Kente Gilkes, age 33, of Roanoke. The investigation has determined that all six individuals were attending a large private party at 3626 Shenandoah Avenue NW when shots were fired. The police department is also in the process of determining who was responsible for renting the building and hosting the party. The party appears to have started after all ABC licensed businesses had closed for the evening.
(Continue reading for the rest of the news release.)
Evidence collected at the scene indicates that alcohol, drugs, and firearms were present at the party. Responding officers encountered a large, disorderly crowd that had been inside the building when the shooting occurred. Officers, and other first responders, dealt with a lack of cooperation from individuals on scene when administering aid to the victims and obtaining details as to what occurred. Detectives have made substantial progress in the investigation. They continue to interview witnesses, collect and process physical evidence and review video associated with the investigation. A vehicle of interest has been seized and physical evidence has been recovered that is assisting in the investigation.
Anyone with any information that might help detectives is encouraged to call the Roanoke Valley Crime Line at 540-344-8500. Tips are anonymous and rewards are offered for the right information.
