Grief of murder victim's friends (Update)

Friends of murder victim Erin Richardson yesterday took to his Facebook page to express their disbelief at his death.

The 29-year-old labourer was gunned down outside his home in Riviera Crescent, Southampton, late on Wednesday night.

Police are currently hunting two men who turned up outside the property on a motorcycle and opened fire at Mr Richardson.

As friends learned of the devastating news of his death through the course of the day, many wrote tributes on his Facebook page.

One friend wrote: “I know you may not have been perfect but you was doing good and turning your life around.

“I don’t know how I am ever going cope with this”

Another friend said: “As you journey into outerspace may the angels help you lead the way. May the prayers that our families made shine upon your soul to keep you safe and all the homies that done passed away, they there to greet you as you headed to the tunnels light. I hope it leads to eternal life.” 

Mr Richardson, who was also known as Joshua, sustained multiple gun shot wounds when he was shot outside his home.

EMTs who arrived at the scene tried to resuscitate him but he was declared dead at hospital.

Yesterday one friend wrote: “I’m really hurt and shocked that this has happened. I still can’t believe it. Sitting here thinking of the good times and laughs we had shared. I didn’t see you often but I truly will miss you, such a good guy, you was a nice personality — always could make you laugh.

“All I can say is REST EASY JOSH you really will be miss you tremendously”

Another friend said: “Hate that this has happened to you. I was just speaking to you yesterday: I guess He needed you earlier than expected. Gone tooo sooon sleep in peace Joshua.” Mr Richardson is understood to have attended Dellwood School. He was known to many of his friends by the nickname ‘Dirt’. 

Makeda Yelle-Simmons said: It seems like just yesterday you were at BAA with Naomi Staines and I gettin turnt up... What a cruel world we live in. RIP Dirt."

Antonio Belvedere wrote on his FB page: "RIP Dirt. Known you since Dellwood days. You was a cool cat. Sleep in peace, bro."
One friend left a message on his Facebook site, saying: “Totally shocked right now. I’m just waking up to finding out the sad news. Sleep in peace cousin.” Another friend added: “I am soooo shocked. I just can’t believe it. My heart is bleeding right now.

“I don’t know what to say. Every time I saw you we embraced with a hug, a laugh and a good conversation. You were a really good friend to me and many many others. You were so full of life. You will definitely be missed Josh.”

Last night, in a television interview with ZBM, Mr Richardson’s father Elvis said: “I’m just a parent here with my family feeling this sad time that we have lost my son and their brother.

“We just want to let you know that we really feel bad about it and hurt that our son is gone.”

 Mr Richardson’s brother, Elvis Junior, said: “I cried myself dry….it hurts, it hurts.”