FLOYD CO., Va. – Update:
A case investigators worked on constantly for decades, after 21 years authorities have gathered enough evidence to charge a suspect in the deadly shooting of Richard “Dickie” Palmer.
“I remember when it happened and that it was of course, it was a mystery at the time,” Eric Branscom, Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney, said.
“It’s a rare event to be able to to do something like this. As a prosecutor, You don’t ..you hope you don’t have cases that don’t get solved. But when you have one that you have an opportunity for, it’s it’s a great feeling to be able to help the family find peace,“ he said.
Branscom describes the case as complex and awaits charges to be served against the suspect, who is already in prison for a separate offense years ago.
Original Story:
This week the Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney submitted an indictment to and received true bills from the Floyd County Grand Jury, for the individual responsible for the homicide of Richard “Dickie” Palmer.
VSP announced that the defendant will be named following his arrest in the coming days and there is no danger to the public due to the defendant’s incarceration.
“After 21 years, it is incredibly satisfying to provide answers to the Palmer family in the brutal murder of Dickie” said Senior Special Agent Douglas R. Hubert, (VSP, BCI-GIS Salem). “Special thanks for the diligent efforts of the Virginia State Police to develop the evidence necessary in this case to proceed with charges. Special Agent Hubert and Special Agent Cromer completed the investigation started so many years ago by the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation,” Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Eric Branscom, said.
On April 22, 2003, the body of Richard “Dickie” Palmer was found in his Chevrolet pickup truck along with the remains of his dog.
The pickup truck was found in the City of Roanoke, and the RPD quickly initiated an investigation into what was believed to have been a homicide.
Preliminary investigation determined Palmer was transported to the location in Roanoke after being killed. Floyd County Sheriff’s Office responded to Palmer’s residence in Riner the following day where blood was reportedly found in the yard by a family member.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office requested the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Field Office, become the lead investigating agency once it was determined the homicide did not occur in Roanoke, but at the Palmer residence in Riner.
VSP said a media informational gathering will be held at the Floyd County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.