Teen suspect in custody after 8th grade girl’s murder

The suspect, described as a five-foot-eight young black male by the Henrico Police Department, was taken into custody Saturday and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, and use of a fire arm in the commission of a felony.

According to the Henrico Police Department, the suspect fatally shot Lucia Bremer multiple times around 1:40 pm on Friday, forcing the lockdown of a nearby school. Upon arrival, Henrico PD announced the incident was being investigated as a homicide and a manhunt for the suspect began.

Law enforcement officers with the Henrico Police Department arrested the suspect Saturday in a nearby home from where the homicide occurred.

"Detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night to follow up on leads provided by our community partners," Henrico police said while announcing the arrest Saturday.

In a tweet on Saturday, the Henrico Police Department indicated that the suspect's name is being withheld due to the fact he is a minor.

"On behalf of the entire Police Division, we appreciate the community support through the tips called in and to our partners with the Richmond-ATF who assisted in the investigation," said Lieutenant Matt Pecka.

The family of victim Lucia Bremer announced the death of their child in a Facebook post on Saturday, describing her as a "beloved daughter" and "joyful farmer."

Liberty Tree Farm said that they were "saddened to report that our beloved daughter and joyful farmer, Lucia Whalen Bremer, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence on March 26," the Times-Dispatch reported. "Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts as we navigate the next few weeks," they said.

The Principal of Bremer's Quioccasin Middle School in Richmond, Melanie Phipps, described Lucia as "funny" and "wise," adding that she was left "heartbroken and devastated" over the killing of Lucia, Fox reported.

According to the Citizen, Phipps announced there will be an increased police presence on Monday to ensure everyone feels safe on a "most difficult day."

Phipps also announced that students and staff were in the process of planning a virtual gathering on Sunday to grieve Bremer's loss.

Licia Bremer's English teacher, David Whitehouse, said to the Citizen, "In a year of difficult days and weeks, this will be the most difficult of my entire career."