LYNCHBURG, Va. – Jan. 5, 2025 UPDATE:
John Levi Snead was taken into custody on Monday, Lynchburg Police Department said.
The investigation is still ongoing.
UPDATE
Members of the Lynchburg community gathered Tuesday for a candlelight vigil to remember and honor the life of 52-year-old David Vaughter, who was killed in a shooting last week.
The shooting stemmed from an argument at a home on Campbell Avenue.
The suspect, 63-year-old John Levi Snead, remains at large. He faces the following charges:
- Second-degree murder
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Brandishing a firearm
- Reckless handling of a firearm
The Lynchburg Police Department asks anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near the 1400 block of Campbell Avenue, or who has video surveillance or doorbell camera footage that could assist the investigation, to contact Detective Heinemann at 434-455-6174 or Crime Stoppers at 888-798-5900.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at http://p3tips.com or through the P3 app.
UPDATE
A Lynchburg man is wanted in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred Thursday night. Authorities say he was last seen in the area of the 800 block of Garland Street.
The incident began with an altercation at a home in the 1400 block of Campbell Avenue. An argument escalated, resulting in 52-year-old David L. Vaughter of Lynchburg being shot. He was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he later died, according to the police department.
The suspect has been identified as John Levi Snead, 63, of Lynchburg. Snead faces the following charges:
- Second-degree murder
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Brandishing a firearm
- Reckless handling of a firearm
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who may know Snead’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lynchburg Police Department.
The Lynchburg Police Department asks anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near the 1400 block of Campbell Avenue Thursday evening, or who has video surveillance or doorbell camera footage that could assist the investigation, to contact Detective Heinemann at 434-455-6174 or Crime Stoppers at 888-798-5900. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at http://p3tips.com or through the P3 app.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Lynchburg Police Department announced Thursday night that there was a large police presence in the 1400 block of Campbell Avenue Thursday night as the department responded to the report of a shooting. Police are asking the public to seek alternate routes.
This is a developing story, and 10 News will continue update with information as it becomes available.
Large police presence in the 1400 block of Campbell Avenue. LPD is responding to a report of a shooting. Please seek alternate routes. More information will be provided via news release.
— Lynchburg Police (@LynchburgPolice) December 19, 2025