News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | January 2, 2026
Local News
Richmond man receives 104-year prison sentence for crimes against minor in New Kent
A Richmond man who committed crimes against a minor in 2010 was hit with a sentence that will likely keep him in prison for the rest of his life. Lonnie Dwayne Taylor was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. During a two-day trial this past June, a jury heard the case against Taylor. During that jury trial, testimony from the victim, who was underage at the time when the offense took place in 2010, revealed details of sexual encounters with Taylor. The graphic details along with a case put…
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New Kent Board of Supervisors get financial preview in preparing for upcoming budget
One thing is for certain when it comes to New Kent County: They are about to spend a lot of money due to growth. Such was the overall tone during Friday’s New Kent Board of Supervisors budget work session held at the New Kent Forestry Center. County Leaders met for nearly five hours as they received updates, information, and preliminary plans to address the continuing growth and needs of New Kent. The underlining message was more along the lines of not if they will spend the money, but how and when they would do so. Friday’s meeting began with a…
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Charles City man charged with murder in Richmond
A Charles City County man has been arrested for murder in connection to a Richmond shooting last May. Adwin Zuri, 38, has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and the use of a firearm in a commission of a felony according to the press release. Zuri allegedly shot and killed Terrence Smith on May 18 inside of his home. Zuri was listed as a person of interest at the time of the initial investigation and has been formally charged with the crime. No other information was available at the time of…
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New Kent Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting at VCU Emergency Center
New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred on the property of the VCU Health New Kent Emergency Center. In a press release, on Friday afternoon, deputies responded to the scene after reports of a shooting incident. According to the release, the incident was isolated and there is no active threat to the public, nor any suspects being sought. New Kent Sheriff’s Office staff is working closely with VCU Health officials to ensure safety of the facility. The investigation remains active, with the sheriff’s office indicating that an updated press release will be issued once more factual…
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Virginia Department of Election releases unofficial numbers from 2025 general election
Virginia’s Department of Elections have released unofficial results from the Nov. 4 general election for Charles City and New Kent County. In Charles City County, the race for governor resulted in Abigail Spanberger garnered 1,975 votes (57.26 percent) while Winsome Earle-Sears received 1,469 votes (42.59 percent). Ghazala Hashmi earned 1,910 votes (55.80 percent) in the race for lieutenant governor, while John Reid II garnered 1,509 votes (44.08 percent). In the race for attorney general, Jay Jones received 1,842 votes (53.78 percent), while opponent Jason Miyares totaled 1,569 votes (45.81 percent). Finally, Delores McQuinn ran unopposed for the 81st seat in…
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Richmond man sentenced to three months after failing to complete First Offender Program in New Kent
A Richmond man will spend three months in jail after failing to meet terms of the First Offender Program. Zachary Eugene Taylor Jr., 55, of the 1000 block of Tallgrass Court, Richmond, was found guilty on one count of possession of a Schedule I/II substance after failing to complete the program during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. On Sept. 30, 2024, Taylor entered a plea agreement where he was placed in the First Offender Program. During that trial, on Mar. 9, 2024, a warrant for the defendant’s arrest was issued by a neighboring jurisdiction. When officers arrested…
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One detained after alleged road rage shooting in New Kent
The Virginia State Police is investigating a possible road rage shooting incident that occurred in New Kent County. The shooting took place on Oct. 30 at around 10:30 a.m. around the 1700 block of Pocahontas Trail (Route 60). According to the Virginia State police, a victim operating a white vehicle was shot several times. The victim drove their car seven miles to a gas station, where emergency personnel arrived. The victim was treated was transported to a hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Virginia State Police Public Relations representative Robin Lawson commented that the incident appeared to be…
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Tipping point reached as Charles City residents lash out at supervisors on county issues
Plaguing issues in Charles City County have resulted in questions from local residents on the financial status of the locality. Tuesday night’s Charles City Board of Supervisors’ meeting proved to be the tipping point for citizens. No subject was left safe at residents lashed out at county leaders and administration during a 60-minute public comment period. And even before the comment public period was addressed, some dissention with county leadership appeared to come to the surface. District 1 representative Ryan Patterson asked for the agenda to be amended to add items and to address appointments during the meeting. But a…
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Barnetts Road in Charles City closed due to railroad repairs
Barnetts Road (Route 609) in Charles City County near the intersection of Roxbury Road (Route 106) will be closed until the remainder of the week due to a train derailment that happened on Oct. 25 (see related story). The crash, which occurred in the southern portion of New Kent County near the Charles City border, resulted in approximately 53 coal cars and two engines coming off the tracks. To access the incident, Barnetts Road is closing so that CSX Police, investigators, and a recovery team can access the site. Emergency repairs are also underway for the tracks. Detour routes are…
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Sandston man receives five-year prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine in New Kent
A Sandston man will spend the next five years in prison for distributing drugs in New Kent County. Sean R. Barnaby Sr., 38, of the 4900 block of Regina Road, entered a guilty plea to distributing methamphetamine (more than 227 grams) as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on May 3, 2024, the Virginia State Police conducted a control buy with a confidential informant at the Food Lion in Providence Forge. The buyer met the target, identified as Barnaby, and made…
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