Grand Jury Finds Goochland Troopers' Use of Deadly Force Justified; No Charges

A multijurisdictional grand jury unanimously concluded that Virginia State Police troopers acted reasonably when they used deadly force during a Jan. 9 incident on Interstate 64 that left 18-year-old Xzavier D. Hill dead. Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Caudwill said the panel found criminal charges against the two troopers were not warranted.

State Police say the encounter began when a trooper attempted a traffic stop and Hill did not comply. The pursuit ended when Hill’s vehicle became stuck in a median. According to the grand jury report and law enforcement accounts presented to jurors, troopers approached the disabled vehicle, directed Hill to exit and show his hands, and Hill displayed a firearm. The grand jury report states troopers fired four shots, Hill was struck by three, and he died of a gunshot wound to the neck.

Dash-cam footage and the grand jury report were shown to jurors and were also made available by authorities. The release of that video had been a focal point for Hill’s family and for community members, who called for transparency as the state and county examined the encounter.

The decision resolves the criminal inquiry into the use of force but leaves unresolved questions for Goochland residents about policing practices, vehicle pursuits on I-64, and local oversight. The case prompted community protests and sustained public interest in how trooper encounters are reviewed. The grand jury’s finding means prosecutors will not pursue felony or misdemeanor charges against the troopers in the fatal shooting.

For local governance and public safety officials, the ruling shifts attention from criminal accountability to policy and community relations. County leaders, the Virginia State Police, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney will face pressure from residents seeking clarity on pursuit protocols, de-escalation training, and body-worn or dash camera policies. The presence of released footage and a detailed grand jury report give residents concrete material to review as they evaluate those agencies’ practices.

The outcome will also shape civic engagement in Goochland. Families and advocacy groups who pushed for video disclosure are likely to continue asking county supervisors and state law enforcement for meetings, policy reviews, and clearer avenues for transparency. For voters, the case may influence conversations about public safety priorities and the mechanisms that govern use-of-force oversight.

As the criminal phase closes without charges, the next chapter for Goochland is policy and trust. Expect continued public discussion at county forums and through the offices that handle oversight and prosecutorial review as residents press for answers and reforms that address the concerns raised by this fatal encounter.