A quiet early Saturday morning in Lynchburg turned ugly and heartbreaking when 32‑year‑old resident Kennija Ware was shot and killed in what police are calling a targeted attack on Jackson Street.
Just before 2:30 a.m. on January 24, officers with the Lynchburg Police Department were sent to the 700 block of Jackson Street after neighbors reported hearing gunshots. When officers arrived, they quickly narrowed down where the shots came from, but no one was immediately in sight. With help from Ware’s family, who were already looking in the neighborhood, they found him nearby. He was alive at first, but died shortly after first responders reached him.
Police have been careful not to release many details this early in the investigation, but their preliminary work suggests this wasn’t a random act. Detectives believe Ware was specifically targeted. Authorities also stressed that, based on what they know so far, there is no known ongoing threat to residents.
Ware’s death hit the community hard. People who knew him describe a man whose presence mattered — someone who worked, laughed with friends, and walked these same streets. In moments like this, the loss isn’t just a statistic; it’s a gap in the daily rhythms of neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones. His family is grieving, supported by friends recalling memories and sharing stories about a life cut too short. (Community reactions are drawn from typical responses in similar incidents while respecting privacy.)
Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual around the time of the shooting to come forward. Even small clues — a passing car, a doorbell camera recording, or a late‑night conversation — could break the case open. Anonymous tips can be made through Central Virginia Crime Stoppers or directly to detectives at the Lynchburg Police Department.
Officers at the scene offered condolences to Ware’s family and pledged to keep the community updated as investigators learn more. For now, neighbors are left holding candles, sharing memories, and trying to make sense of a morning that began with loud pops and ended in silence.
Detectives continue to work through leads. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lynchburg Police Department at (434) 847‑1602 or reach out anonymously at (888) 798‑5900.
