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SUFFOLK, Va. — Nearly seven years after the death of Kiara Etheridge, a 23-year-old mother from Norfolk, authorities have announced significant developments in the case. 

According to the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, on April 23, a Suffolk Grand Jury returned indictments against three individuals in connection with Etheridge’s 2018 homicide.

Rashadeen Conner faces charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently in custody at Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Ahkia Bunn and Uniqka Holmes have been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and destruction of evidence. As of Tuesday, both Bunn and Holmes remain at large, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Etheridge was discovered lying in the roadway at Dill Road and Bidwell Street in Suffolk around 4:36 a.m. on June 4, 2018, with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Initially classified as an undetermined death, the case was later ruled a homicide. 

The Suffolk Police Department, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted an extensive investigation into Etheridge’s death. The case is being prosecuted by Operation Ceasefire Attorney T. Jack Bondurant III and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Heather Emmert. 

Commonwealth’s Attorney Narendra R. Pleas commended law enforcement for their dedication, stating, “We applaud our law enforcement partners for their vigilance and perseverance in investigating the homicide of Ms. Etheridge. The ability to break a cold case involves an unfathomable amount of hours devoted to investigation, follow-up, and research. Even when they are gone, our victims are not forgotten. We look forward to having our day in court on behalf of Ms. Etheridge and our citizens.”

Suffolk Police Chief James Buie echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration: “No victim is ever forgotten,” Buie said in a media release. “I would like to thank our investigators for their dedication and hard work in bringing this case to prosecution, and the members of the public who responded with tips and information. Our citizens should feel confident knowing the Suffolk Police Department is here to prevent, respond, investigate, and assist in prosecuting all crimes within our jurisdiction.”