Roanoke man indicted after authorities say he killed his 64-year-old grandma

Charlotte Brewster died on Aug. 31

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE

According to the Roanoke Police Department, Dontae Brown was indicted on September 4, and is now also charged with aggravated malicious wounding in relation to the death of his 64-year-old grandmother, Charlotte Brewster. 

He was originally charged with malicious wounding and violation of a protective order. 

Police say this is still under investigation. 


Roanoke police are investigating after a 64-year-old woman died Friday.

On Aug. 30, at about 11:30 a.m., police responded to 3533 Ferncliff Avenue NW regarding a well-being check on a resident.

With both police and fire-EMS personnel outside the home, they were not getting any response, according to police.

Officers made entry and found 64-year-old Charlotte Brewster, of Roanoke, in a bedroom along with 20-year-old Dontae Brown, of Roanoke.

Police said Brewster had injuries consistent with an assault.

Officers arrested Brown for violation of a protective order for a prior incident involving Brewster and Brown. 

Brewster was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Brown was transported to the Roanoke City Jail and charged with malicious wounding and violation of a protective order. 

On Aug. 31, police were told that Brewster had died.

On Sept. 1, an autopsy was performed and Brewster’s death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives and investigators are continuing to investigate this incident.