The Richmond couple who allege they were targeted with racially-based armed assault on Partlow Road this past summer now say they could be facing charges themselves in connection with that incident, according to an update on their GoFundMe page last week.
In a October 17th post, Amylah Majors and Jamaria Gaskins offer an update on their mental, physical and financial status following a reported confrontation with three individuals in Spotsylvania while visiting family in the area this past July.
“We’ve been informed that, based on statements made by the individuals who attacked us, there’s a possibility that we could also face charges – something that has been terrifying and extremely confusing to us as victims,” Majors says.
“We are deeply concerned that the situation could lead to retaliatory actions or a distorted version of events, especially given the level of resources and support these individuals appear to have.”
Majors says that while her injuries were “life-threatening,” Gaskins also suffered significant head and dental trauma. Majors says their injuries have impacted the couple’s ability to work. Medical bills are also mounting, while legal and travel expenses are becoming prohibitively expensive, according to Majors. Many of the appointments for therapy and specialist care are an hour or more away from their home, the couple says.
Majors and her wife Jamaria Gaskins previously stated on their GoFundMe effort that they were “chased, threatened with firearms, and called racial slurs” by three individuals in the 4300 block of Partlow Road following car trouble. After attempting to leave, Majors and Gaskins allege they were pursued in the vehicle by those same individuals on a four wheeler before crashing, resulting in significant injuries to Majors.
“One of them rode up beside us on a 4-wheeler and aimed a gun directly at my head through the driver’s window,” Majors originally wrote.
According to the GoFundMe, the couple is raising money for “overwhelming” medical bills, therapy, legal assistance and lost income following the incident.
In a July 30th Facebook update, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a reported dispute involving a firearm and related motor vehicle crash in the 4300 block of Partlow Road on Friday, July 20th. After a preliminary investigation, two individuals were charged with brandishing a firearm and indecent exposure, both misdemeanors. Their proceedings continue later this month.
In that announcement, the department acknowledged content connected to the July 20th incident was circulating on social media, saying it was working with both the Commonwealth’s Attorney and local community leaders to address concerns.
The Spotsylvania NAACP met at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in early August to demand accountability for what it called a “pattern of behavior” in Partlow and around the county.
“We need to get the facts,” said President Mozette Petway.
At the time, Petway said the organization was having difficulty contacting Majors and Gaskins, which he attributed to the couple’s continued recovery and rehabilitation. Petway could not be immediately reached for comment with regards to the latest update from the couple.
As far as what charges Majors and Gaskins could be facing in connections with the July 20th encounter remain unclear. Attempts to contact the couple via their GoFundMe page were unsuccessful.
hyperbole’s questions to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office were referred to Commonwealth Attorney Ryan Mehaffey, who would only say he could not comment.
Attempts to contact the individuals in the other involved party have been unsuccessful.
The couple’s full statement can be found on their GoFundMe page at bit.ly/4oCUBxG.
Correction: This article initially stated the images of the other involved individuals were removed from the GoFundMe. They are still available at the top of the page in a slide gallery. The article has since been corrected.
