13 Years Unsolved: Chesterfield Seeks Tips in 2013 Shooting
TL;DR: A 7-year-old boy killed by random gunfire during Fourth of July fireworks in 2013 remains unsolved after 13 years, and Chesterfield County police are asking the public for leads.
Quick facts
- Who: Brendon Mackey, 7-year-old; his father
- What: Killed by stray bullet during July 4 fireworks celebration
- When: July 4, 2013
- Where: Swift Creek Reservoir (Sunday Park), Midlothian, Chesterfield County
The story
On July 4, 2013, Brendon Mackey was attending the annual fireworks display at Swift Creek Reservoir with his father when a stray bullet struck him as he walked near the Boathouse at Sunday Park restaurant in Midlothian. Police determined the bullet was fired randomly into the air, likely from within a 7,100-foot radius of the boy's location. The .40 caliber round proved fatal, and Brendon died from his injuries.
Now, 13 years later, the case remains unsolved. No arrests have been made, and despite repeated public appeals, no one has come forward with credible information about who fired the shot. Chesterfield County Police have continued investigating, but the trail has gone cold. The homicide stands as one of the county's most haunting unresolved cases, particularly because it involved a child who was simply celebrating a national holiday with his family.
The tragedy became a catalyst for legislative action. In 2014, Virginia's General Assembly passed Brendon's Law (HB 810), which took effect on July 1, 2014. The law makes firing a gun into the air with reckless disregard for human life a Class 6 felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death, punishable by up to five years in prison. If no one is injured, celebratory gunfire remains a misdemeanor with up to a year in jail. Despite this legal response, Brendon's killer has never been identified or charged.
This June, as the anniversary approached, the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program renewed its appeal to the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by calling 804-748-0660 or through the P3 app. All callers remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward of up to $5,000. Police have emphasized that even small details, old rumors, or anonymous tips could help close a case that has devastated Brendon's family and haunted the Midlothian community for over a decade.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Police Department: Investigating the homicide
- Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers: Appealing to public for information and tips
Key dates
- July 1, 2014: Brendon's Law (HB 810) takes effect in Virginia, making celebratory gunfire resulting in injury a Class 6 felony
The case for
Vigorous pursuit of cold cases honors victims and their families, sends a message that serious crimes do not fade from law enforcement's priorities no matter how much time passes, and can leverage advances in forensics, DNA technology, and witness recollection over time. Persistent public appeals may reach people who were unwilling or unable to speak years ago. Anonymous tip programs remove fear of retaliation and encourage community cooperation in solving violent crime.
The case against
Cold-case investigations require significant police resources (detective time, lab work, administrative costs) that could be directed toward active cases and crimes happening today. After 13 years with no leads, realistic likelihood of identifying a perpetrator may be low. Reopening old cases repeatedly, while emotionally necessary, can create cyclical media attention that renews pain for victims' families without concrete progress. Resources might be better allocated to prevention (gun safety education, community violence intervention) than to pursuit of crimes unlikely to be solved.
Why it matters: Unsolved homicides, especially of children, undermine public confidence in law enforcement and leave families without closure. The case exemplifies how random violence can strike during celebrations meant to bring communities together, and how one family's tragedy can drive statewide legislative change.
Places
Development timeline
- July 4, 2013Brendon Mackey struck by stray bullet at fireworks: 7-year-old Brendon Mackey killed by random gunfire while attending July 4 fireworks at Swift Creek Reservoir in Midlothian [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/brendon-mackey-investigation-june-29-2026)
- February 2014Virginia Senate passes Brendon's Law: HB 810 passed on 27-13 vote, making celebratory gunfire resulting in injury a felony, named in response to Mackey's death [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/2014/02/19/brendons-law-passes-va-senate)
- July 1, 2014Brendon's Law takes effect: Virginia law creating Class 6 felony penalty (up to 5 years in prison) for reckless gunfire causing serious injury or death [[source]](https://m.facebook.com/RichmondPolice/photos/brendons-law-named-after-brendon-mackey-who-was-killed-by-a-falling-bullet-while/10154228978409361/)
- June 29, 2026Crime Solvers renews appeal for tips: Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers asks public for information in unsolved homicide, offering reward up to $5,000, contact 804-748-0660 or P3 app [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/brendon-mackey-investigation-june-29-2026)
Related links
- Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers
- P3 Anonymous Tips App
- Chesterfield County Police Department
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →
Sources
- 7-year-old killed by random gunfire before July 4 fireworks. His case remains unsolved 13 years later
- Nearly 12 years since death of Brendon Mackey, Chesterfield Police continue searching for answers
- Va. lawmakers pass Brendon's Law to toughen celebratory gunfire punishment
- Chesterfield Police again ask for tips in 2013 shooting of 7-year-old Brendon Mackey
- Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers