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Roanoke County deaths now being investigated as double-homicide

This is pending results from the Medical Examiner’s Office

ROANOKE, Va. – The deaths of two adults in Roanoke County are now being investigated as homicides, pending results from the Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the Roanoke County Police Department.

As we’ve reported, at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Roanoke County Police were called to Pitzer Road for an Advanced Life Support Critical Call.

After entering the home, officers found two adults dead. Those victims have now been identified as 42-year-old Amanda Rae Robertson and 58-year-old Robert Michael Jackson, both from Roanoke County. We’re told both people were shot to death.

At about 9:45 a.m. that same day, Roanoke County investigators identified a possible suspect, 57-year-old Wayne Hubert Shortt, Jr., of Franklin County, and contacted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to assist in executing a search warrant.

Sheriff’s Office personnel arrived at the scene on Hardy Road and when they entered the home, they found Shortt dead. Authorities said the suspected cause of death is suicide, pending the final report from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators believe Shortt is the sole suspect in this case and also believe drugs and alcohol were a factor.

Authorities said the victims and suspect knew each other and Robertson and Shortt had been in a previous relationship.

Both Roanoke County and Franklin County cases remain active investigations.


ORIGINAL STORY

Roanoke County Police are currently investigating the deaths of two adults Monday morning.

According to authorities, Roanoke County Police responded to an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Critical call in the 4800 block of Pitzer Road.

Upon entry, officers located two deceased adults and police no longer believe there is a danger to the public.

Nearby Roanoke County schools were placed in secure mode this morning as a precautionary measure while police began their investigation.

ROCO police say this is an active investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

There is a heavy law enforcement presence along the 4800 block of Hardy Road near Old Mill Drive and Lynville of the Lake, and it has been confirmed that it is connected with the investigation.

10 News is working for you and you can find updates here.


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About the Authors
Duncan Weigand headshot

Duncan Weigand joined WSLS 10’s digital team in June 2024, weeks after graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s in communication studying multimedia journalism and a cognate in marketing.

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Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

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