Vernon Leigh Jarrelle Jr.

Richmond Police Department — Richmond, VA

Felonious

End of Watch August 1, 1973

Age 22

Tour of Duty 2 yrs

Badge 427

The Vigil Panel 112 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 39

Incident

Patrolman Vernon Jarrelle was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery of a food stamp distribution center in the 800 block of West Marshall Street. When the two suspects entered the distribution center, one of them approached Patrolman Jarrelle at gunpoint and told him not to move. Perceiving an opportunity, Patrolman Jarrelle attempted to draw his weapon but was shot in the heart. The two suspects then proceeded to rob the distribution center. As they fled, the suspect who shot Patrolman Jarrelle stepped over him, believing he was dead. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Jarrelle was able to fire one shot and killed the suspect. Two accomplices were charged with Patrolman Jarrelle's murder. The male suspect was sent to the Virginia State Penitentiary, where he was later murdered while in prison. The female suspect was also sent to prison and later released. Patrolman Jarrelle had served with the Richmond Police Department for only two years. He was recognized as the Rookie of the Year the previous year.

Survivors

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-VA-8549951D
Stewardship: Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw: August 2, 2026
Last updated: August 2, 2026

Honored here by 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Jarrelle gave the Richmond Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Jarrelle.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Richmond Police Department

Type Police Department

Location Richmond, VA

Platform Identity rpd.richmond.va.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 1, 1973

Tour of Duty 2 yrs

Age 22

Badge Number 427

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun

Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,775 officers honored here.

In VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.

At Richmond Police Department, 20 of 40 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.

Richmond Police Department

of 40 officers

50% Felonious

VA — Statewide

394

of 656 officers

60.1% Felonious

Nationwide

of 97,775 officers

0% Felonious