Once a month, residents of Lucy Corr’s Independent Living community gather to learn about local crime history from someone who experienced it firsthand. Led by author and retired Chesterfield County Police Commander Steve Neal, these sessions explore real Richmond-area cases drawn from Neal’s nearly 30-year career in law enforcement.
During each meeting, Neal walks residents through not only what happened during a notable homicide, robbery or other investigation, but why what happened mattered to the community at the time — and still should. Many of the stories are drawn from his book Bearing Witness to Evil, including one he shared on May 5, which covered the 1999 manhunt for John Yancey Schmitt after his armed robbery of an area bank left a security guard dead.
The program has become a favorite among residents, with Neal’s approachable style inviting questions and discussion. Attendees will ask about his experiences and posit in-the-moment theories about how each case will play out. “They like it, and I enjoy it,” Neal said. “It’s a good match.”
Programs like Neal’s reflect the dynamic social and lifelong learning opportunities community members enjoy at Lucy Corr, where thoughtful speakers and engaging activities are always on the calendar.
