BEDFORD COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Two people are dead Tuesday night following an early morning shooting in Bedford County.
The sheriff's office believes George Torode shot and killed 47-year-old Kimberly Meador before taking his own life. Deputies said both were known to law enforcement for their ongoing domestic issues.
Deputies say on Saturday, Meador went to the Bedford County Magistrate's Office and obtained a warrant for assault and battery and an emergency protective order for Torode. The protective order stated that he was not to have any contact with her. He was arrested on that warrant and served the protective order on Sunday morning and released from jail on a $2,500.00 bond.
On Tuesday morning, the residence along Crabapple Lane in Huddleston looked quite different; it was roped off with police tape and there was a heavy presence of nearly 35 law enforcement officers. Neighbors told us they woke up to a concerning sight.
Bedford County Sheriff's Deputies said it started with a 911 call reporting gun shots coming from the trailer home; however, along the country road, it wasn't the gunshots that woke up neighbors.
"I woke up around six and saw flashing lights," said neighbor Tom Meekins. "I looked outside and eventually heard a helicopter and that's unusual."
Meekins who recently moved to the area, looked for answers unsure of what was happening, but concerned for his family's safety.
According to investigators, a witness said Torode entered the home with a rifle and started shooting. Investigators said Meador died. One man got out of the home okay.
"It's not comfortable, obviously, but I think that the biggest thing is that we are just hurting for their families," said Meekins' wife Julie.
Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown said Torode and Meador had a relationship and were known to deputies for their domestic disputes.
Brown said, Meador obtained a warrant for assault and battery and an emergency protective order for Torode on Saturday prohibiting him from having any contact with her. Torode was arrested on that warrant, but then released from jail on Sunday morning on $2,500 unsecured bond.
Brown said this was not the outcome he was hoping for.
"I'm sorry that he decided to take his life, but I am pleased that it's over with and the citizens of the county are no longer in danger from this individual," said Sheriff Brown.
Brown hopes this situation does not prevent others from getting a protective order if needed.
The Bedford County Sheriff's Office is calling Torode the alleged shooter for now, until the autopsy report comes in within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Bedford County Sheriff's Deputies, Virginia State Police, U.S. Marshals and ATF agents were involved in search for George Torode.
We'll keep you posted as we learn more information on this developing story.