Man found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with 2021 Roanoke shooting

The deadly shooting happened in May 2021

On Friday, May 7, 2021, authorities arrested 35-year-old Todd Manns, of Roanoke, and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Taniko Belt. (Roanoke Police Department)

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man was sentenced on Wednesday in connection to a deadly shooting that happened in May 2021.

Recommended Videos



As we reported, police said 35-year-old Todd Manns shot and killed Taniko Belt in a Northwest Roanoke shooting on May 2, 2021.

Police said they arrested Manns on May 7 and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the incident.

The court’s website detailed that the second-degree murder charge Manns was initially charged with has since been upgraded to a first-degree murder charge.

On Wednesday, Manns was found guilty on the following charges, according to the court’s website:

  • First-degree murder,
  • The use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Manns is set to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.


About the Author:

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.