Gretna robbery linked to Campbell Co. murder suspect

By DENICE THIBODEAU
Danville Register & Bee staff
Published: June 3, 2008

A Campbell County investigation into the May 25 murder of Wilber West, of Lynch Station, turned up evidence that could help the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office solve an April 15 robbery in Gretna.

Two suspects have been charged in the murder. Alphonso Lamont Destin, 21, was arrested in Altavista on May 28 and Renaldo Sinclair Oliver, 23, was arrested at his home in Gretna on May 30.

Both men reportedly stayed periodically at a house on Leewood Road in Lynch Station, just up the street from West’s home.

Lt. Col. R. Simpson, of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday that Campbell County investigators found items, including printed checks, at that house that belonged to the victim of a Gretna robbery that was reported April 15.

“When they (Campbell County investigators) were working on the homicide, they found the checks and contacted us,” Simpson said.

A Pittsylvania County investigator then joined in on the search of the property. Simpson said other items missing from the victim’s home were also recovered, and some have been returned to him.

No one has yet been charged in the robbery.

“Our investigation into the break-in is still continuing. We don’t have any charges pending yet,” Simpson said.

Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.