Appomattox County circuit court judge Joel Cunningham gave Christopher Speight five life terms in prison.
Speight killed eight people, one of the commonwealth's worst killing sprees, between January 17th and 19th in 2010, including his own sister, and his young nephew.
Family members of one of the victims, 16 year old Bo Scruggs, said they wanted Speight to get the death penalty.
Prosecutors said, since every psychiatrist who examined Speight ruled him insane at the time of the crimes, they agreed to a plea deal that puts him in prison for life, but takes the death penalty off the table.
Other family members of some of the victims, like the family of Karen Quarles, said they thought the sentence was just.
During the enforcement period, Roanoke County Police issued approximately 1,000 traffic citations. More than 180 of them -- nearly 20 percent -- were for seatbelt violations.
Monday, June 17 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-06-17 15:12:58 GMT
As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, Tropical Depression 2 has formed in the Caribbean Sea. The storm is located near the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to make landfall later today. The storm will then move into
Tropical Depression 2 has formed in the Caribbean Sea. If this becomes a tropical storm, it will be named Barry.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:55 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:55:05 GMT
A body found on Amelon Road in Amherst county has been identified by family members as Jerry Haley. This according to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office. He had been reported missing since June 13th
A body found on Amelon Road in Amherst county has been identified by family members as Jerry Haley. This according to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office. He had been reported missing since June 13th
Thursday, June 13 2013 12:50 PM EDT2013-06-13 16:50:44 GMT
Virginia State Police have charged a Salem man with DUI and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with that fiery crash Wednesday on Interstate 581. Police said Timothy Wellons, 35, of
Virginia State Police have charged a Salem man with DUI and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with that fiery crash Wednesday on Interstate 581. Police said Timothy Wellons, 35, of
Sunday, June 16 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-17 00:46:33 GMT
One person was found dead in Rural Retreat Lake today. The New River Valley Water Rescue And Recovery Association says their team members helped the Wythe County Sheriff's Office and the Department of
One person was found dead in Rural Retreat Lake today.
Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines.
Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines.
Thursday, June 6 2013 9:39 AM EDT2013-06-06 13:39:20 GMT
VMI is ready for its close up. This week, a major film called "Field of Lost Shoes" is shooting in Lexington.What began as a conversation with his business partner ultimately led screenwriter, producer,
VMI is ready for its close up. This week, a major film called "Field of Lost Shoes" is shooting in Lexington.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:54 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:54:37 GMT
The detour in place in Roanoke because of a water main break is no longer. It happened at the 1200 block of Orange Avenue. According to the Western Virginia Water Authority, the left westbound lane has
The detour in place in Roanoke because of a water main break is no longer. It happened at the 1200 block of Orange Avenue.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:29 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:29:59 GMT
Virginia Attorney General's Office news releaseAttorney General Ken Cuccinelli warns Virginians to be cautious of scam phone calls from individuals who claim to be an employee of their electric utility
Caller claims to be a company employee and threatens to shut off electric service unless a delinquent bill is paid within a matter of hours.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:46:23 GMT
BOB LEWISAP Political Writer RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The state panel that verifies a series of daunting reforms to Medicaid as a condition for expanding access to the federal-state health care program
The Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission got its first glimpse Monday of what's driving health cost increases that have dwarfed consumer products inflation and national defense spending.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:39:37 GMT
After hundreds of votes WSLS viewers picked Mark Johnson as our Fathers of June contest winner. Mark's wife Mitzi nominated him, because he's been so hands on in caring for their son, Logan, over the
After hundreds of votes WSLS viewers picked Mark Johnson as our Fathers of June contest winner.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:21 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:21:08 GMT
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's Court of Appeals has expanded the issues that can be brought up on appeal by a former University of Virginia lacrosse player convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend. The
Virginia's Court of Appeals has expanded the issues that can be brought up on appeal by a former University of Virginia lacrosse player convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend.
Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines.
Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines.
