Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edwin Stephenson and Patrolman Leaward Rich were killed in an automobile crash while en route to assist another officer who was chasing a stolen car. During their response at 12:30 a.m., in an attempt to avoid another car in the intersection, the unmarked police car left the roadway. It struck a tree at Brook Street and Westwood Avenue, causing fatal injuries to both officers. Patrolman Stephenson had served with the Richmond Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, parents, two sisters, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-16FC15CF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Stephenson gave the Richmond Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Stephenson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edwin Hugh Stephenson, Jr. is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 203 of 654 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 31% of this state's fallen.
At Richmond Police Department, 17 of 40 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 42.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edwin Hugh Stephenson, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Edwin Hugh Stephenson, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. Edwin Hugh Stephenson, Jr. is highlighted in Dec.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
39 officers from Richmond Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
