Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Jarrelle,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Richmond. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.


R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 1, 2023

Sending you love and hugs to Heaven Uncle Vernon. I think of you all the time today breaks my heart as I read what happened again and remembering how my Dad would cry missing you. I know you and Dad are happy and healthy in Heaven. I love you

Tina Jarrelle Loving
Niece

August 1, 2022

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 22, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 1, 2020

Vernon, I'm just checking in with you friend. You are, and always will be my hero. Your daughter and grand daughter are doing extremely well. Rest easy Vernon. Within brotherly love, respect and admiration, Jim Crotty

ATF Special Agent Jim Crotty (Retired)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.

October 20, 2016

Vernon, this is the first year I failed to leave you a reflection on your EOW date. I spent all my effort on posts on Face Book, and law enforcement groups on Face Book. I think you'll forgive me when you read this, which I posted a few minutes after midnight and several other times throughout the day. I love you buddy . . Joanne is fine and your beautiful Granddaughter is doing well at VCU. I'm looking out for Joanne . . rest easy. Hopefully, MANY people will read this detailed account of the incredible, unbelievable and truly heroic actions you took during that armed robbery . . PLEASE read this friends . .

Today, Saturday, August 1, 2015, is the 42nd year anniversary of a horrific murder which occurred in Richmond, VA. Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., a young, dedicated, aggressive and intelligent 22 year old Patrolman, was gunned down in a food stamp distribution store in the 800 block of West Marshall Street, in downtown Richmond, VA. Vernon was admired by all, loved by many, and friends with everyone. As a personal favor, I am respectfully requesting that ALL my Face Book Friends read this account and memorial, so that you too will know our friend and colleague , so that you too will too will know what he accomplished in protecting you, that you too will remember his name, and hopefully, you too, will speak his name. You have heard the adjectives "hero" and "warrior," articulated on many occasions for hightened levels of unselfishness and bravery. At the conclusion of this account and memorial, of the final minutes of the short life of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, you will come to know genuine bravery and the true meaning of a "warrior." These adjectives are rarely achieved at the elevated levels as Vernon Jarrelle, achieved, on that ominous day . .


VERNON LEIGH JARRELLE, JR.


At approximately 4:00 A.M. Vernon and I completed our 8 hour tour of duty on the department's selective enforcement unit, known as the Task Force. We worked high crime areas of the city, during high crime hours, i.e., 8:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. That morning,Vernon and I turned our police vehicles in at the same time, walked in the main entrance at police headquarters at 501 N. 9th Street, walked past the information desk, and down the hall to the patrol division to turn in our portable radios and shotguns. As we walked, we casually spoke about the night's activities and as always, Vernon spoke of his new baby girl, Joanne. I asked him if he was working overtime again today, and as always, he told me he was . . beginning in a few hours, then coming to work that evening at 8:00 A.M. We turned our equipment in, and drove to our respective homes. Now, it was the early afternoon of August 1, 1973, and the food stamp distribution center, located in the 800 block of West Marshall Street in Richmond, VA, was open for business. Several employees were present, as were customers. Additionally, Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. was present, in uniform and working overtime. He was casually speaking with one of the center's clients when Charles Greenway and Robert Hill entered. Greenway walked up to Vernon, and suddenly pointed a .32 caliber revolver at him, announcing "this is a robbery!" As Greenway aimed his weapon at Vernon's chest, standing only a few feet from him, his co conspirator, also armed with a handgun, robbed the employee's of the food stamps and money . . . he also robbed clients of their personal belongings. During the 2-3 minutes in which this was taking place, Vernon saw what he perceived to be an opportunity to protect the citizens of Richmond, and himself. He drew his service revolver, but Greenway shot him in the chest . . . 5 times. Four of those 5 bullets entered his heart. Vernon collapsed to the floor, lying motionless on his back, arms outstretched, still clutching his service revolver. As Vernon lay there, his life almost gone and quickly slipping away, appearing to be dead, to all present, he was thinking . . focusing on the objective . . He appeared so incapacitated, neither Greenway or Hill disarmed him. I KNOW what Vernon was thinking . . any officer who knew Vernon well and who had worked along side him KNEW what he was thinking . . I assure you, I promise you, Vernon was thinking "NOBODY is going to murder a Richmond Policeman, and live to speak about it . . NOBODY is going to murder Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., and live to talk about it . . I have GOT to hang on . . and take my shot!!! (That's what Vernon Jarrelle was thinking). Minutes later, Hill fled, followed by Greenway. As Greenway approached Vernon's apparent lifeless body, he stepped over him and paused, straddling him, in an act of defiance. The witnesses reported that as Greenway straddled Vernon, looking menacingly at them, no part of Vernon moved . . . except his right arm and hand, from the elbow down. Vernon slowly and deliberately raised his service revolver, vertically, pointing "up" . . . and then, in what would be the last act of his brief 22 years, squeezed off a 125 grain, .38 caliber jacketed hollow point Super Vel , sending it crashing into Greenway's chest and heart. The recoil from Vernon's shot, projected his service revolver from his hand, and several feet from his body. A stunned and mortally wounded Greenway staggered out of the building and collapsed as droves of Richmond Police were converging on the center, responding to calls of a police involved shooting. A short time later, at the Medical College of Virginia, Greenway was pronounced dead at 3:09 PM . . . and a warrior and true hero, Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., was pronounced dead at 3:10 PM. Patrolman Gary D. Taylor called me at home at approximately 3:30 PM . . . I'll never forget . . . He said "Jim, I'm afraid I have bad news for you . . . Vernon Jarrelle has been murdered." Besides having been with Vernon just hours earlier, he and I had graduated from the police academy together in June 1972, were assigned to the same patrol relief, walked downtown beats together and were promoted to the Task Force together in February 1973. Now, Gary G. Taylor was telling me that he was dead . . . murdered. Now, there was only one thing to do. Like every other policeman in Richmond, I immediately got geared up and headed in to the police department. "Pokey" Campbell, E.H. Stephenson (EOW 12/13/74) and I checked out shotguns, extra shotgun shells, portable radios, then found a police unit and headed out into the mean streets, looking for Hill. Our detectives had identified him and we all had his mug shot. We reeked havoc that night in Richmond looking for him . . . it was a fever pitch . . . but he was arrested days later, in another city. He was ultimately tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and numerous other charges . . . he received a life sentence. In what can only be described as poetic justice, Robert Hill was stabbed to death by another convict, shortly after beginning his sentence. Personally, I view this action as a justified, spontaneous, and unscheduled execution. (If that sounds a little "cold" . . if it sounds "jaded" . . . well, perhaps I am. However, I assure you, my police friends and I have "earned it.") It was also learned by our detectives that the robbery/murder was an "inside job," . . . a conspiracy that involved one of the food stamp center's employees . . . Sandra Fogg. She was tried and convicted but was released well in advance of completing her original sentence. Sandra Fogg orchestrated the event . . . she KNEW a Richmond Police Officer would be present . . . and for many years now, she's been free . . . free, and living in Richmond, Virginia . . . Sandra Fogg . . . S-a-n-d-r-a F-o-g-g . . . (Update 8/1/14 - I recently learned that Sandra Fogg was murdered in Richmond's infamous Gilpen Court, several years ago, during a drug deal "gone bad." Now, all those involved in the murder of Vernon, are dead !! Thank you for reading about Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., and what he did for you, his community and country on August 1, 1973 . . . 42 years ago today. He was a wonderful father, brother, son, nephew, cousin and friend . . . he was an outstanding policeman . . . he was RPD's 1972 Rookie of the Year . . . he captured the most wanted escapee in the State of Virginia, . . . when duty called, he was on the scene, fast . . . he was so loyal . . . so dedicated. Please, never forget . . . please, speak his name, today and always . . . tell a friend or family member about him . . . what he did for them . . .please speak his name . . . even if nobody is listening . . . Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. . . . Never forget! Written by his friend and fellow officer, Jim Crotty

Special Agent, ATF (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police

August 4, 2015

You are not forgotten!

Miles Turner
Caroline County Sheriff's Office

August 1, 2015

Thinking about you Vernon.

Special Agent, ATF (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police

May 7, 2015

Today, Friday, August 1, 2014, is the 41st year anniversary of a horrific murder which occurred in Richmond, VA. A young, dedicated, aggressive and intelligent 22 year old Patrolman was gunned down in a food stamp redemption store in the 800 block of West Marshall Street, Richmond, VA He was admired by all, loved by many, and friends with everyone. As a personal favor, I am respectfully requesting that ALL my Face Book Friends read this account and memorial, so that you too will know our friend and colleague , so that you too will too will know what he accomplished, that you too will know his name, and hopefully, you too, will speak his name. You have heard the adjectives "hero" and "warrior" used on many occasions for various levels of unselfishness and bravery. At the conclusion of this account. and memorial of the final minutes of the short life of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, you will come to know genuine bravery and the true meaning of a "warrior."

VERNON LEIGH JARRELLE, JR.

It was August 1, 1973, and the food stamp distribution center, located on West Marshall Street in Richmond, VA, was open for business. Several employees were present, as were customers. Additionally, Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. was present, in uniform and working an overtime security detail at the location He was casually speaking with one of the center's clients when Charles Greenway and Robert Hill entered. Greenway walked up to Vernon, and with no warning pointed his .32 caliber revolver at him, announcing "this is a robbery!" As Greenway aimed his weapon at Vernon's chest, standing only a few feet away, his coconspirator, also armed with a handgun, robbed the employee's of the food stamps and money . . . and robbed clients of their personal belongings.

During the 2-3 minutes in which this was taking place, Vernon saw what he perceived as an opportunity to protect the citizens of Richmond, and himself. He drew his service revolver, but Greenway shot him in the chest . . . 5 times. Vernon collapsed to the floor, lying motionless on his back, arms outstretched, still clutching his service revolver. He appeared so incapacitated, neither Greenway or Hill disarmed him. Moments later, Hill fled, followed by Greenway. As Greenway approached Vernon's apparent lifeless body, he stepped over him and paused, straddling Vernon, in an act of defiance. The witnesses reported that as Greenway straddled Vernon, looking menacingly at them, no part of Vernon moved . . . except his right arm and hand, from the elbow down. Vernon slowly and deliberately raised his service revolver, vertically, pointing "up" . . . and then, in what would be the last act of his brief 22 years, he squeezed off a .38 caliber jacketed hollow point Super Vel , sending it crashing into Greenway's chest and heart. The recoil from Vernon's shot, projected his service revolver from his hand, and several feet from his body. A stunned and mortally wounded Greenway staggered out of the building and collapsed as droves of Richmond Police were converging on the center, responding to calls of a police involved shooting.

A short time later, at the Medical College of Virginia, Greenway was pronounced dead at 3:09 PM . . . and a warrior and true hero, Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., was pronounced dead at 3:10 PM.

Patrolman Gary D. Taylor called me at home at approximately 3:30 PM . . . I'll never forget . . . He said "Jim, I'm afraid I have bad news for you . . . Vernon Jarrelle has been murdered." Vernon and I had completed our Task Force tour together less than 12 hours earlier, and we'd walked down the hall of 501 N. 9th together, to turn in our shotguns and portable radios. We were walking, talking and laughing, as we often did. It was 4:15 A.M. Vernon and I had graduated from the academy together in June 1972, were assigned to the same relief, walked downtown beats together and were promoted to the Task Force together in February 1973, the department's specialized enforcement unit. Now, Gary Taylor was telling me that he was dead . . . murdered. Like every other policeman, I got geared up and headed to the police department. "Pokey" Campbell, E.H. Stephenson (EOW 12/13/74) and I checked out shotguns & portable radios, found a police unit and headed out into the streets, looking for Hill. Our detectives had identified him and we all had his mug shot. We reeked havoc that night in Richmond looking for him . . . it was a fever pitch . . . but he was arrested days later, in another city. He was ultimately tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and numerous other charges . . . he received a life sentence. In what can only be described as poetic justice, Robert Hill was stabbed to death by another convict, shortly after beginning his sentence.

I view this action as a justified, spontaneous, and unscheduled execution. (Incidintly, if that sounds a little "cold" . . if it sounds "jaded" . . . well, perhaps I am. However, I assure you, my police friends and I have "earned it.")

It was also learned by our detectives that the robbery/murder was an "inside job," . . . a conspiracy that involved one of the food stamp center's employees . . . Sandra Fogg. She was tried and convicted but was released well in advance of completing her original sentence. Sandra Fogg orchestrated the event . . . she KNEW a Richmond Police Officer would be present . . . and for many years now, she's been free . . . free, and living in Richmond, Virginia . . . Sandra Fogg . . . S-a-n-d-r-a F-o-g-g . . . (Update 8/1/14 - I recently learned that Sandra Fogg was murdered in Richmond's infamous Gilpen Court, several years ago, during a drug deal "gone bad." Now, all those involved in the murder of Vernon, are dead !!

Thank you for reading about Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., and what he did for you, his community and country on August 1, 1973 . . . 42 years ago today. He was a wonderful father, brother, son, nephew, cousin and friend . . . he was an outstanding policeman . . . he was RPD's 1972 Rookie of the Year . . . he captured the most wanted escapee in the State of Virginia, . . . when duty called, he was on the scene, fast . . . he was so loyal . . . so dedicated. Please, never forget . . . please, speak his name, today and always . . . tell a friend or family member about him . . . what he did for them . . .please speak his name . . . even if nobody is listening . . . Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. . . . Never forget!

Written by his friend and fellow officer, Jim Crotty

P.S. I have been to hundreds of funerals for young law enforcement officers who either died, were killed or were murdered in the line of duty. I have listened to as many members of the clergy as they sincerely attempted to console those in attendance, however, most of their words, regardless of how well intended, did not bring me any comfort . . . until a funeral for a Prince George County, MD, at a young officer's funeral. With respect to this murdered officer, he said "It is far, far better to have lived 25 years, than to never have lived at all." With respect to Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., I'd like to relate the clergy member's sentiments, with some of mine interjected . . . "It is better to have lived just 22 years, and to have loved and to have been loved, than to never have lived and loved, at all." May God continue to bless and keep Richmond, VA Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. I'd like to add this . . Vernon's beautiful and wholesome daughter, Katie, was just accepted, with a full academic scholarship, to Virginia Commonwealth University. Congratulation Katie, you Grand Daddy would have been so happy and proud . . and of your Mom, Joanne, too ! To all my fellow officers . . "Be Fast . . Be Fast . . the Blue shirts MUST win!" . . any other option is unacceptable !

Jim Crotty, Special Agent, ATF (RET)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer and close friend of Vernon Jarrelle

August 1, 2014

Remembering your bravery and determination on that day and again today, the anniversary of your murder. You are not forgotten my friend. Rest easy....

Detective Sergeant (ret) Bob Walker
Richmond Police

August 1, 2013

Vernon, my police brother and friend . . this day is especially bothersome to me today . . . 40 years . . you have been gone forty years , , murdered, taken from your wife, parents, Joanne, Katey and all of us that loved and admired you . . forty years . . I hate that you'll be 22 years old forever, never having experienced all that would have experienced in the interim. I love you buddy and will always speak your name . . even if nobody is around at the time to listen. Rest easy friend, Jim Crotty, RPD Task Force Unit #679

Former Richmond, VA Police Officer
ATF Special Agent (Retired)

August 1, 2013

Vernon, the greatest police leader I have ever known, or worked for, died today. Vernon, your Uncle, retired Richmond, VA Chief of Police, Colonel Frank S. Duling, died today after a long illness. Your cousin Vanessa took wonderful care of him in the last years of his life . . he did not suffer. He was so proud of you buddy. Still, this is an incredibly sad day in Richmond and The Commonwealth of Virginia. Rest easy Vernon . . and tell all our troops up there with you that they need to "tighten up" . . . The Colonel's en route!

ATF Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

June 4, 2013

Hey Vernon . . thinking about you . .

Special Agent Jim Crotty (ATF, Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Policeman

April 28, 2013

thank you for your brave actions and for being able to take out the 'bad guy' in your last moments. rest in peace warrior.

aux.officer

March 8, 2013

Patrolman Jarrelle,

I am not sure how I came across your story and this site. But what I am sure of is that the mark you left in this world was an impactful one and you are blessed with what look to be very loving friends and family committed to preserving your name and legacy. I pray that your soul is at rest knowing that the lowlife got what he deserved, at your hands, and left this world before you did, as a coward with a lesser will to live. Your actions on that day will speak louder than most mens' words in their entire lifetime. I will not forget you or your act of valor.

Rest in peace.

Matthew Sebastionelli, Fireman
Fire Department of the District of Columbia, Truck Co. #17

October 15, 2012

Vernon, I just learned tonight that Sandra Fogg is DEAD. She was murdered in the late 1990s in Gilpin Court. Vernon, the woman who was the "inside" of the "inside job" is DEAD . . . you're gone from us buddy, and we can't get you back, but justice has been served . . you heroically shot and killed Greenway, Hill was murdered by another inmate after beginning his sentence, and Sandra Fog was shot and murdered in Gilpen Court. All those who were involved in your murder are DEAD Vernon . . justice has been served . . in this case, 2 of them by their own street violence . . but that is of no consequence . . . what is significant is that they are dead. As you know buddy, I don't drink, but tomorrow, I'm bringing a beer home, toasting you and all the other Richmond heroes, and "downing it."
I love you buddy. . . justice has been served!

ATF Special Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

August 8, 2012

Hello Vernon, it's that day again . . all day, and all night . . I'm having a tough time with this today buddy . . I was up until 5:00 A.M. this morning . . thinking . . wishing so much I could have been in the food stamp center with you 39 years ago . . it was really eating on me . . I spoke with your cousin Vanessa at 4:00 A.M., and she was because of the same reason . . thinking about you . . I HATE that I wasn't there to help you . . Greenwood could have never dealt with both of us . . but it didn't work out like that . . Hill was murdered (executed) by another inmate shortly after beginning his sentence . . I hope the guy is out and doing well . . . that's how I feel, regardless of how it sounds. We had a great memorial for you on Facebook today Vernon . . and next year, the 40th year, we are going to gather . . to celebrate your life. I'm unable to celebrate your life today . . I'm unable to celebrate anything today . . maybe tomorrow . . rest easy Vernon . . your name will never be forgotten, what you did will never be forgotten . . buddy, YOU will never be forgotten, especially as long as Joanne, Vanessa and I are alive! I love & respect you always . . . Jim Crotty, RPD Task Force Unit 679

ATF Special Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

August 1, 2012

The entire City of Richmond mourned the death of Vernon Jarrelle. He was a dedicated police officer who was born into a family of dedicated Richmond Police Officers. He was the nephew of Colonel Frank S. Duling, our great Cheif of Police. Many years after his murder, I had the occasion to arrest Sandra Fogg - the woman who masterminded the robbery and murder. At that time, she was living in the Creighton Court Welfare Project. I can't remember why I arrested her - All I could think of was that it was that woman who was the root cause of the loss of Vernon. God Bless Vernon Jarrelle Jr.

Sgt. John Henry Taylor -Retired
Richmond Police Department

August 1, 2012

Vernon, we lost you 39 years ago on Wednesday August 1st just like today, and I still feel like it was today. I was on a trip with Mom and Dad. We were traveling by car on our way to Nevada and weren't notified until the Gallup, New Mexico Police Officer located us as we left Gallup the morning of the 2nd. Dad was asked to return to the Gallup PD to return a call from the RPD who was trying to locate him.

Mom and I decided to check out some of the local stores while Dad took care of Police business and ultimately the city's Museum since Dad's return was taking so long. Dad found us there after receiving what was the most horrible news imaginable just as we were coming out of the Museum and asked us to go back inside. I don't think I've ever seen Dad look so pale. He later told us that the reason he had taken so long was because he was trying to figure out how he was going be able to tell Mom and me what had happened. The moments after his return were like the worse nightmare imaginable. Nothing made sense. . . time stopped . . . things were like a blur. . . tears flowed . . .my heart was broken.

It was about mid day on Aug.2nd as we drove out of town the second time... this time headed back home... we drove straight through, Dad and I taking turns at the wheel. The time between then and when we arrived back in Richmond only a few hours before your funeral we a blur as well... filled only with the sound of the wheels as they responded to the rhythm of the road, memories and tears...

You don't know how much it meant to me having you there for me when I was young and needed a big brother . . . a girl couldn't have asked for a better one... I will always miss you and love you . . .

Love,
Vanessa

Vanessa Irene Duling
Cousin

August 1, 2012

Warrior and Hero!!!

Inspector

April 14, 2012

Thinking about you Vernon . . . yesterday was Steve and Lee's EOW . . thinking about all of you . . . talk to you soon, Jim

Jim Crotty, ATF Special Agent (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

December 15, 2011

Hey Vernon, nothing special buddy . . . no anniversary of anything . . no event . . . just thinking about you as I do every day (every day buddy) . . . I always picture you in my mind, how sharp you always looked in your uniform . . creased pants, polished leather . . anything that could shine on you . . shined . . . badge . . belt buckle, chrome Model 10, . . anything that could have a crease . . was creased . . pants, shirts . . I remember how you would always shine the brim of your police cap with your tie while we were talking . . . but mostly, your commitment, tenacity, your LOVE for you profession (we didn't have a j-o-b . . it was our loved profession)

And then I think of you lying there, on the floor, having been shot 5 tines in the chest at point blank range . . . knowing you were on borrowed time . . waiting . . . planning . . . knowing . . that Greenwood would come just a little to close . . too damn close to the wrong policeman . . too close to a genuine warrior . . a little too close to a mortally wounded warrior who was waiting to kill him . . . I don't know that anyone else, except you Vernon, could have pulled off what you pulled off . . . with the massive internal injuries . . to your heart, major arteries . .. internal bleeding . . . who else could have maintained such an acute focus on the objective under those ominous circumstances . . . the MOST ominous that could be incurred . . . and then Greenwood stepped into your arena . . . the last arena . . a little too close . .. and it was anything but a level playing field . . . it was ultimate goodness versus ultimate evil . . . his gun was in his hand as he scanned what he perceived as his victorious robbery location . . . but although standing over you, he failed to realize just WHO he was standing over . . . until he heard and felt that .38 caliber JHP SuperVel rock his miserable world . . . and moments later . . . end it. He did what nobody should ever have done . . underestimate your drive, desire, dedication, high self esteem . . pride in yourself and the Department. . . many people who didn't know you, may have counted you out that day . . said "He doesn't have a chance," . . "It's a done deal," . .. but those of us who knew you . . . we would have known that Greenwood was the ultimate "done deal."

Your cousin Vanessa told me how much she'd worry about you when you went on the department . . Richmond was one of the most dangerous cities in the country at the time . . she worried somebody might shoot you . . or worse . . and you told her "If that ever happened, I promise you, I'll take them with me!"

Damn, Vernon . . . you're my hero . . . I hope you know you killed him . . I pray . . and I believe you do know . . . I love you buddy . . there will NEVER be another Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. Talk to you latter Vernon . . . rest easy . . . Jim

Friend and fellow Richmond Officer Jim
Former Richmond, VA Police and Special Agent, ATF (Ret,)

November 30, 2011

You will NEVER be forgotten my friend!!!!

Patrolman Donna S. Armstrong, Retired
Richmond Bureau of Police

August 1, 2011

Vernon Leigh. . . You are loved and missed . . . always throughout the year. . . but every year as August 1 draws near you are constantly on my mind . . . A good friend of yours and mine now too, Jim Crotty, sent me a Memorial he wrote for you . . . Honoring you and your memory. I want to leave it here with you to share with those who visit . . . so they will know what a true warrior you were.
I love you. Vanessa

I am honored to share the following memorial to Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, written by my dear friend, Jim Crotty.  I embrace Jim's sentiments regarding my cousin Vernon, on this August 1st, representing the passage of  exactly 38 years since his murder. Thank you Jim, for remembering and caring. ~ Vanessa

VERNON LEIGH JARRELLE, JR.

It was August 1, 1973, and the food stamp distribution center, located on West Marshall Street in Richmond, VA,  was open for business.  Several employees were present, as were customers.  Additionally, Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. was present, in uniform and working an overtime security detail at the location . .  . (continued)  





continued . . .  He was casually speaking with one of the center's clients when Charles Greenway and Robert Hill entered.  Greenway walked up to Vernon, and with no warning pointed his .32 caliber revolver at him, announcing "this is a robbery!"  As Greenway aimed his weapon at Vernon's chest, standing only a few feet away,  his coconspirator, also armed with a handgun, robbed the employee's of the food stamps and money . . . and robbed clients of their personal belongings.

During the 2-3 minutes in which this was taking place, Vernon saw what he perceived as an opportunity to protect the citizens of Richmond, and himself.  He drew his service revolver, but Greenway shot him in the chest . . . 5 times.  Vernon collapsed to the floor, lying motionless on his back, arms outstretched, still clutching his service revolver.  He appeared so incapacitated, neither Greenway or Hill disarmed him.  Moments later, Hill fled, followed by Greenway.  As Greenway approached Vernon's apparent lifeless body, he stepped over him and paused, straddling Vernon, in an act of defiance.  The witnesses reported that as Greenway straddled Vernon, looking menacingly at them, no part of Vernon moved . . . except his right arm and hand, from the elbow down.  Vernon slowly and deliberately raised his service revolver, vertically, pointing "up" . . . and then, in what would be the last act of his brief 22 years, he squeezed off a .38 caliber jacketed hollow point Super Vel , sending it crashing into Greenway's chest and heart.  The recoil from Vernon's  shot, projected his service revolver from his hand, and several feet from his body.   A stunned and mortally wounded Greenway staggered out of the building and collapsed as droves of Richmond Police were converging on the center, responding to calls of a police involved shooting.  

 A short time later, at the Medical College of Virginia, Greenway was pronounced dead at 3:09 PM . .  . and a warrior and true hero, Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., was pronounced dead at 3:10 PM.

Patrolman Gary D. Taylor called me at home at approximately 3:30 PM . . . I'll never forget . . . He said "Jim, I'm afraid I have bad news for you . . . Vernon Jarrelle has been murdered."  Vernon and I had completed our Task Force tour together less than 12 hours earlier, and we'd walked down the hall of 501 N. 9th together, talking and laughing, as we often did.   Now, Gary Taylor was telling me that he was dead . . . murdered.  Like every other policeman, I got geared up and headed in. "Pokey" Campbell, E.H. Stephenson (EOW 12/13/74) and I checked out shotguns, found a pool unit and headed out into the streets, looking for Hill.  Our detectives had identified him and we all had his mug shot.  We reeked havoc that night in Richmond looking for him . . . it was a fever pitch . . . but he was arrested days later, in another city.  He was ultimately tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and numerous other charges . . . he received a life sentence. In what can only be described as poetic justice, Robert Hill was stabbed to death by another convict, shortly after beginning his sentence.

Personally, I view this action as a justified, spontaneous, and unscheduled execution.  (If I sound  "jaded" . . . well, perhaps I am).

It was also learned by our detectives that the robbery/murder was an "inside job," . . . a conspiracy that involved one of the food stamp center's employees . . . Sandra Fogg.  She was tried and convicted but was released well in advance of completing her original sentence.  Sandra Fogg orchestrated the event . . . she KNEW a Richmond Police Officer would be present . . . and for many years now, she's been free . . . free, and living in Richmond, Virginia . . . Sandra Fogg . . . S-a-n-d-r-a   F-o-g-g . . .

Thank you for reading about Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., and what he did for you, his community and country on August 1, 1973 . . . 38 years ago today.  He was a wonderful father, brother, son, nephew, cousin and friend . . . he was an outstanding policeman . . . he was RPD's 1972 Rookie of the Year . . . he captured the most wanted escapee in the State of Virginia, . . . when duty called, he was on the scene, fast  . . . he was so loyal . . . so dedicated.  Please, never forget . . . please, speak his name, today and always . . . tell a friend or family member about him . . . what he did for them  . . . speak his name . . . even if nobody is listening . . . Richmond Patrolman Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr.  . . . Never forget!

Written by his friend and fellow officer, Jim Crotty
Remembered and loved by his cousin, Vanessa Duling

Vanessa Duling
Cousin

August 1, 2011

Vernon, it was 39 years ago that we first met & first spoke . . it was the first day of the 32nd Session of the Richmond Police Department Academy (February 14, 1972 - June 2, 1972. What an honor to have been your fellow officer and friend.

I only wish I could have been there with you that fateful day at the food stamp distribution center . . I don't know how, but it would have turned out differently.

We all miss you and continue to speak your name. You will be honored forever. With brotherly love and utmost respect, your friend and colleague, Jim Crotty

Jim Crotty
Good Friend

February 14, 2011