Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused in Teen's Death
TL;DR: A Chesterfield County judge denied bond for Nekyi Cherry, 20, charged with murder in the January 1, 2025 shooting death of Richmond teen Andrew Giles.
Quick facts
- Who: Nekyi Cherry, 20, charged with first-degree murder; victim Andrew Giles, 19
- What: Bond hearing; judge denied bond after prosecutors presented ballistic and location evidence in fatal shooting case
- When: Bond hearing held June 17, 2026; shooting occurred January 1, 2025, just before 1 a.m.
- Where: 14900 block of Broadwater Way, Chesterfield County
The story
A Chesterfield County judge has refused to grant bond to Nekyi Cherry, 20, charged with murder in the January 1, 2025 shooting death of 19-year-old Andrew Giles. Judge Edward A. Robbins heard arguments on June 17, 2026, during the bond hearing before ruling that Cherry should remain in custody without bond pending trial.
According to prosecutors' account presented during the hearing, the incident involved two separate shooting bursts. Cherry allegedly fired at least six shots at Giles initially, then pursued Giles as he ran to his vehicle, where Cherry allegedly fired 14 additional shots. Giles sustained three fatal gunshot wounds. Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash at the 14900 block of Broadwater Way at approximately 12:58 a.m. on January 1, 2025, and discovered Giles deceased inside a vehicle that had crashed into a nearby residence.
Prosecutors presented ballistic evidence showing that bullets and shell casings recovered at the scene matched a firearm that Cherry allegedly sold through an Instagram account tied to his phone number shortly after the shooting. Prosecutors also cited location data and evidence that Cherry's phone powered off immediately after the shots were fired. Cherry's attorney argued the evidence was circumstantial and that the gun purchaser could not identify the masked seller. The defense also raised a concern for Cherry's safety, noting he had been stabbed six times while incarcerated.
Cherry was apprehended on January 2, 2025, in Henrico County with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Fugitive Task Force. He faces charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and shooting at an occupied vehicle. His trial is scheduled for December 14, 2026. A second suspect, identified as a minor at the time of the initial investigation, has also been charged in connection with the case.
Key players
- Nekyi Cherry: Defendant, charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting at an occupied vehicle
- Andrew Giles: Victim, 19-year-old Richmond resident killed in shooting
- Judge Edward A. Robbins: Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge who presided over bond hearing and denied bond
- Paul Wiley: Commonwealth Attorney presenting prosecution's evidence at bond hearing
Key dates
- 2025-01-01: Andrew Giles shot and killed at 14900 block of Broadwater Way, Chesterfield County
- 2025-01-02: Nekyi Cherry apprehended in Henrico County by U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Fugitive Task Force
- 2026-06-17: Judge Edward A. Robbins denies bond for Nekyi Cherry at bond hearing
- 2026-12-14: Nekyi Cherry trial scheduled
The case for
Denying bond protects the community from a defendant accused of an act of extreme violence. The prosecution presented substantial evidence including ballistic matches, digital location tracking, and the phone powering off at the time of the shooting, establishing a strong case that Cherry poses a danger to the public if released. Keeping Cherry detained pending trial also reduces flight risk, as he was apprehended as a fugitive after the initial shooting.
The case against
The defense raised concerns that Cherry's detention without bond may be unnecessarily harsh given the presence of circumstantial evidence, noting that the gun purchaser could not positively identify the masked seller and some elements of the state's case remain subject to trial. Additionally, the defense highlighted that Cherry has been victimized while incarcerated, with multiple stabbings raising questions about his safety in custody pending trial and whether bail conditions or monitoring could have addressed public safety concerns.
Why it matters: The ruling reflects how judges balance public safety against the constitutional right to bail in serious violent crime cases. For residents in Chesterfield County, the case underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and highlights the judicial process that follows such incidents, from investigation through trial.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-01-01New Year's Day Shooting: Andrew Giles, 19, shot and killed at 14900 block of Broadwater Way; vehicle crashes into nearby residence [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/nekyi-cherry-bond-hearing-june-17-2026)
- 2025-01-02Suspect Apprehended: Nekyi Cherry, 20, apprehended in Henrico County with assistance from U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Fugitive Task Force [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/01/03/chesterfield-police-identify-victim-new-years-day-shooting/)
- 2026-06-17Bond Hearing: Judge Edward A. Robbins denies bond for Nekyi Cherry after hearing evidence of ballistic matches, location data, and phone evidence [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/nekyi-cherry-bond-hearing-june-17-2026)
Related links
Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield County →
Sources
- Chesterfield judge denies bond for man accused of killing Richmond teen on New Year's Day
- Chesterfield Police identify victim of New Year's Day shooting
- Homicide Suspect Arrested; Victim Identified
- Police Arrest Second Suspect in January Homicide
- Judge Denies Bond in Teen Killing Case