BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 4/26/2023
A second arrest has been made in connection with the human remains found in a burnt-out vehicle in Bedford County on April 18.
According to state police, Jonathan Bell, 34, of Goodview, was arrested Tuesday and is charged with accessory after the fact-homicide.
UPDATE - 4/25/2023
Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance is releasing more information after human remains were found in a burnt-out vehicle in Bedford County on April 18.
Authorities have identified the victim as Ethan Bert, approximately 20 years of age, from York, Pennsylvania.
29-year-old Joseph Richard Walker, of Roanoke City, was arrested in Florida and has been charged in connection with the homicide. The U.S. Marshals Service in Florida says two stolen firearms and a large bag of marijuana were seized due to his arrest.
They also said Walker has an extensive criminal history, which includes distribution of marijuana, distribution of marijuana while in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities say Walker will be extradited to Bedford County no later than the middle of next week.
Investigators believe the victim and suspect knew one another.
UPDATE - 4/20/2023
A Roanoke man has been arrested and charged in connection with the human remains found after a vehicle fire was extinguished in Bedford County early Tuesday morning (Apr. 18), according to Virginia State Police.
Police said the remains were discovered around 12:15 a.m. on Sandy Level Road in Bedford County.
Crews with the Bedford Fire Department responded to the scene, extinguished the fire, and found human remains inside the vehicle, VSP said.
We’re told the Bedford County Fire Marshal’s Office requested that Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Salem Division to investigate the vehicle fire.
After further investigation, authorities said they determined that the victim had died in violent circumstances prior to the fire.
VSP said their Special Agents were able to develop leads that identified a suspect located in the City of Roanoke
A search warrant was obtained for the residence of the suspect, a 29-year-old man, and more evidence of the violent encounter was found inside the home, according to state police.
Police said they took the man into custody without incident and charged him with second-degree murder.
The investigation is ongoing, authorities said. The name of the suspect and the victim were not released.
UPDATE
Human remains were found after a vehicle fire was extinguished in Bedford County early Tuesday morning, according to Virginia State Police.
Bedford County Fire and Rescue was alerted about the fire at about 12:45 a.m. on Sandy Level Road and arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
Agents with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation have responded to the scene.
The north and south lanes were closed for several hours but have since reopened.
The remains have been sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Western District, for identification, according to VSP.
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops
ORIGINAL STORY
Drivers can expect delays on Route 616 northbound in Bedford County near Goodview Town Road due to “security/police activity,” according to VDOT.
At this time, all north and south lanes are closed in this area.
VDOT says traffic is being diverted onto Route 757, onto Route 608, and then onto Route 24.
Earlier, VDOT reported a vehicle fire in this area.
We’ve reached out to Virginia State Police and are working for you to learn more.