The man who was convicted in the murder of a Radford University student more than four decades ago has been denied parole once again, according to Justin Griffith, Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In 1980, Stephen Epperly, who was a Virginia Tech football player at the time of the offense, was sentenced to life in prison in connection with the murder and disappearance of Radford freshman Gina Hall. Even more than 40 years later, her body still has not been found, making Epperly the first person in the Commonwealth to be convicted of murder without a body.
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This isn’t the first time Epperly has filed for parole. In fact, he has done so every chance he has gotten, with the most recent request being in 2021.
Hall’s family continues to stand firm in their efforts to keep Epperly behind bars. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pulaski County says he is “very appreciative of the community involvement in maintaining the justice achieved in this case.”
He added that they will be ready if Epperly files for parole again.
I have been informed that the Virginia Parole Board denied the parole request of Stephen Epperly and he will remain an inmate with the Virginia Department of Corrections. I continually admire the fortitude that Gina Hall’s family constantly carries with them. I am very appreciative of the community involvement in maintaining the justice achieved in this case.
A jury of his peers spoke and this community continues to carry that message forward. Our office felt privileged to be able to participate in leading a community/victim input hearing. As I have said before, and proved two weeks ago, we will be ready if and when he comes up for parole again.
Justin L. Griffith, Commonwealth’s Attorney Pulaski County
