FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2023
Suspect Arrested in Grove St. Homicide Case
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Charlottesville Police Department (CPD) detectives have arrested 38-year-old Charlottesville resident, Tadashi Demetrius Keys, for the January 28, 2023 murder of 36-year-old Charlottesville resident, Eldridge Vandrew Smith.
Keys is charged with Code of Virginia 18.2-32: Second degree murder and Code of Virginia 18.2-308.2: Possession of firearm by convicted felon. Keys was taken into custody without incident this afternoon. Charlottesville detectives, forensic technicians, and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office have worked tirelessly since responding to the scene of this incident Saturday night to collect and process evidence, identify potential witnesses, and conduct a thorough investigation.
This is an ongoing investigation; anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (434) 977-4000.
Update | 5/25/2023 | Joint Press Release from CPD and Commonwealth's Attorney
Tadashi Demetrius Keyes, a 38-year-old city resident was indicted for 1st Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony in relation to the January 28, 2023, homicide of city resident, 37-year-old Eldridge Smith. Keyes is currently in custody at the Albemarle County Regional Jail.
The Murder charge in this case was upgraded from the original charge of 2nd Degree Murder.
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Public Safety Information Officer
City of Charlottesville
434-326-3043
ervinkl@charlottesville.gov
