Authorities release more details on what led up to fatal McAfee Knob trail parking lot incident

Officials say it appears to be a murder-suicide

UPDATE - Wednesday, May 31

The Roanoke County Police Department has provided an update in the investigation into an apparent murder-suicide in the parking lot of McAfee Knob Friday.

Police said at this stage in the investigation, it appears that Lewis Lambert killed the male juvenile, then committed suicide.

According to authorities, Lambert was also a person of interest in an arson investigation in Roanoke, and the Roanoke County Police Department is working with the Roanoke City Arson Investigators to provide any evidence collected from the scene to assist in the investigation.


UPDATE - 5:30 p.m.

Roanoke County Police are investigating what they say appears to be a murder-suicide in the parking lot of McAfee Knob Friday.

Police said they responded to a call at approximately 6 a.m. Friday to the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot on Catawba Road.

Arriving officers located two deceased males with gunshot wounds, one of them believed to be self-inflicted, according to police.

Police said they are not looking for suspects and there is no danger to the public.

According to authorities, one of the deceased males is identified as Lewis Lambert Jr., 62, of Roanoke. We’re told the other male is a juvenile.

Police have not verified whether or not the two deceased males were related.

On Friday morning, crews responded to two house fires in Roanoke. We’re told a person of interest in these incidents was identified as one of the two found Friday morning at the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot in Roanoke County.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center at (540) 562-3265.


ORIGINAL STORY

A death investigation is underway after two male bodies were found in the vicinity of McAfee Knob in Catawba, according to the Roanoke County Police Department.

At about 6 a.m. on Friday, police responded to the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot on Catawba Road after receiving a call from hikers who had found two bodies.

Authorities said both males were found lying in the gravel; Roanoke County Police don’t believe animals were involved.

We’re told there is no danger to the public.

Details are limited about what may have happened. Police are not calling this a murder investigation just yet, but they are calling it a crime scene.

At this time, parking in the trailhead parking lot will be reduced and part of the area is blocked off.

Hikers are encouraged to make use of the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle, which operates from the I-81 Exit 140 Park & Ride Lot. Visit www.mcafeeshuttle.com for more information.

We’re working for you to learn more.

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About the Authors:

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

You can watch Lindsey during Virginia Today every weekend or as a reporter during the week!