Investigators with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office are
investigating what they are tentatively calling a double suicide
attempt early Friday afternoon.
"At approximately 12:30 p.m., deputies responded to a call
at (a location) on Evans Trail in Alton in reference to someone
being shot," Capt. Larry Fears said.
When deputies arrived at the residence, Christopher Brad Watts,
29, was found dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot
wound to the throat, according to Fears.
"Dana Bartholomew, 32, also found at the residence, was transported
to Halifax Regional Hospital with gunshot wounds," the captain
said.
Maj. R.S. B. Pulliam said Bartholomew suffered from wounds to
her chest and neck.
As of yesterday, she was in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital
and is expected to make a full recovery, according to Pulliam.
After investigators secured the scene, the medical examiner was
called in to investigate the incident.
"Mr. Watts' body will be sent to the (forensic) lab in Richmond
for an autopsy," Fears said.
Pulliam said yesterday that it's too early in the investigation
for speculation.
"We're in the preliminary part of the investigation,"
he said. "We haven't drawn any conclusions at this time."
No charges had been filed as of press time.
"We haven't filed any charges yet, but she (Bartholomew)
still has to be interviewed and the lab work still has to come
in," Pulliam said. "We're not ruling anything out at
this point."
According to court records, both Bartholomew and Watts were awaiting
trial on drug charges.
Bartholomew had been charged with two counts of possession of
a controlled substance and was free on $2,500 secured bond.
Watts had been charged with one count of possession of a controlled
substance and was free on a $25,000 secured bond.
Investigator J.D. Clay is heading the investigation into the shooting.
Issues of accessibility and distribution of limited resources
highlighted the Republican primary debate for the office of Sheriff
Saturday.
The primary will be held on June 10.
The event, attended by approximately 100 people, was held at the
Halifax/South Boston Museum.
Kicking off the event was incumbant Sheriff D.J. "Jeff"
Oakes facing off against challenger and political newcomer Keith
Tribble.
Tribble was a member of the department from 1993 until leaving
the post in 2002. He now works for the Town of Halifax police
department.
A point made by Tribble and repeatedly rebutted by Oakes concerned
stationing officers in remote areas of the county.
"I think deputies should be assigned to areas of the county
where they can get to know the people and increase their response
times," he said. "The deputies who are stationed in
the area would be better informed about what is going on in their
area of the county."
But Oakes countered that allocated resources make the plan unworkable.
"Anyone who believes you can divide and conquer is fooling
themselves," he said. "We don't have the number of people
or resources to do what Tribble is asking.
"I don't know how you can have the best of both worlds,"
Oakes added.
He said that Tribble's plan would jeopardize the lives of his
deputies when responding to emergencies.
"We can't divide the county and expect it to remain safe,"
he said. "I don't like the thought of any officer having
to be superman and getting hurt trying to do something without
help from other deputies."
But Tribble was adamant that his plan could work.
"I believe that dividing the county into sections will work,"
he maintained. "It's a one-man call when you're out there
sitting behind that wheel."
When questioned about the accessibility of the sheriff to the
people, Oakes and Tribble also disagreed on where the sheriff's
energies should be focused.
"It's a very difficult equation," Oakes said. "Because
you have to learn how to divide your time both outside and inside
the office. There are day-to-day activities that you can't neglect.
"If you go out, you're criticized for not being in the office
and if you are in the office, you're criticized for not being
outside solving crimes," he added. "It's a double-edged
sword."
But Tribble wasn't convinced.
"Accessibility is one of the main reasons I'm running for
office," he said. "When people talk to me about why
I'm running, that's one of their biggest concerns.
"For the day-to-day operations, that's where your support
staff comes in," he said. "You need to be out there
and be involved. Not just at press time, but to be there when
it (crime) happens."
"It's looking like I need to get another set of vitamins
to do what Keith (Tribble) wants me to do," he said. "The
job of sheriff is more difficult than anyone in this room can
imagine. It's all I can do to do my job."
A portion of the hour-long debate was devoted to questions from
the audience, where Tribble took some heat for his plan to expand
the drug task force from a county entity to a regional one encompassing
other counties.
"Why reinvent the wheel when they (the task force) are already
winning national and international awards?" Kathy Farley
asked Tribble.
"I can't take away anything the task force has done,"
he responded. "But when you add in more counties, there will
be more people to respond."
Pointing out the Leo Hinson investigation, Oakes responded that
the task force already worked well with other jurisdictions.
"Other counties have their own task force," he said.
"They know their problems and we know ours. We do a great
job as we are."
County resident Eva Mason questioned Oakes on a more personal
issue.
"I am disturbed by a statement I heard. I have heard that
you don't believe in God,"Mason said. "How can you not
believe in God? What religion are you?"
His face briefly flushing, Oakes responded that he was "of
the Methodist faith."
"I'm glad I'm standing away from some of the people in this
room," he said. "It's a wonder that the Good Lord doesn't
come down and smite some people right now.
"I'm not a sinner or heathen, and people are after me because
they can't get any dirt," Oakes said, his voice rising. "And
you are part of it, Mrs. Mason."
Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker focused on his record,
while challenger for the position Kimberly White promised better
cooperation among agencies that deal with criminal prosecution.
In a debate that hinged on the pragmatic and philosophical aspects
of the position Saturday, Greenbacker and White each made their
case as to why they felt they were the right person for the Commonwealth's
Attorney job.
The action came as the two met at the Halifax/South Boston Museum
in preparation for the June 10 primary.
"In the fifteen and a half years that I've served, the nature
of crime has changed and law enforcement has had to change to
combat it," Greenbacker said. "At my urging, the drug
task force was formed in 1988 and I organized and set up the regional
drug prosecutor's office."
He cited Leo Hinson and Raymond Pin as two highlights of his career.
"These are a few among the thousands of cases we prosecute
every year," he said. "And during this time, I believe
I've maintained true allegiance to my principals to prosecute
each and every offender to the best of my ability."
White said that it is her concern for the citizens of Halifax
County that makes her seek the position.
She worked in the Commonwealth Attorney's office in Lynchburg
for six years before returning to Halifax County, prosecuting
murders, capital murders and drug offenses, among others.
"I have the experience," she said. "Am I tough
enough? The Virginia State Police endorsed my candidacy this week."
When questioned, Greenbacker was adamant that cooperation existed
between his office and other agencies.
"I think we've always maintained good relationships among
the agencies," he said. "I can't think of a way to run
our office other than that."
"The issue I want to see is what money is being spent as
a result of any lack of cooperation," White retorted.
She cited cases being continued, whether victims were being effectively
prepared for trial and speedy trial issues.
"The way you avoid speedy trial violations is by communication
and preparation," she pointed out.
"We need a level of cooperation, not only with law enforcement,
but with the various agencies and entities that work in support
of law enforcement," she said.
"In addition, we need more cooperation with business leaders
and citizens on the street," White continued. "In order
to do that, the office needs to be more active in the community.
"The citizens will buy into the process and become cheerleaders
for the system.
"I think you have to look at the fairness and effectiveness
of the police officers," she continued. "Are they prepared
for trial and the placement of charges, are victims prepared?
Are the charges fairly placed?"
The Commonwealth's Attorney argued that his office was already
running effectively.
"I think if you compare us to the offices around the area,
by any standard we will considered an effective office,"
he said. "To improve it, the only thing I can think of is
I wish we had more hands and more time.
"The only way we can keep things on an even keel is not to
short-change law enforcement in the budget process," he added.
"When we have to worry about cutbacks, it plays havoc with
the retention of the staff."
During the public questioning period, resident Rosa Bates-Long
quoted a statement Greenbacker made in the Gazette-Virginian,
where "you were quoted as saying 'in the lower range of society'.
Are they (victims of crimes on the lower social strata) not worthy
of stiff sentences?"
"I think in general, the cases we have involve more people
who come from disorganized family backgrounds and situations where
they haven't been brought up with proper guidance in their formative
years," Greenbacker said. "But I make sure in all of
my cases that I prosecute them in the same way."
On that issue, White and Greenbacker agreed.
"Crime victims, no matter what their stage and station in
life are worthy of the protection of the legal system," she
said. "Those victims, no matter who they are, deserve to
be prepared and protected by the system."
"I think if there's any doubt anyone has with how my office
interacts with the public, they should pick up their newspaper
and look at how many (criminals) are in the system and how many
are convicted," Greenbacker said.
The Finance Committee is expected to recommend
a two-cent real estate tax increase and 14-cent personal property
tax hike to supervisors tonight for the FY 2003-2004 budget.
The combined increase would yield $754,000, splitting revenue
income between real estate and personal property.
The Board meeting, the first time all supervisors will review
the budget, will follow the joint towns/county meeting at Mary
Bethune Complex in Halifax.
The joint meeting begins at 6 p.m.
The Finance Committee is also expected to propose several agency
salary increases, LEOs for law enforcement supplemental retirement
and a grant match during tonight's Board of Supervisors' meeting.
The recommendations came during the committee's Thursday night
meeting. Two committee members, James Edmunds and R.E. "Dickie"
Abbott, were absent.
The personal property/real estate tax mix proposal is substituted
for a an initial four-cent real estate tax increase offered in
the working budget prepared by County Administrator Joe Morgan.
The county's current real estate tax is 42 cents per assessed
$100 value and the personal property tax is $1.76 per $100 value.
An increase of 14 cents in the personal property tax will yield
an estimated $375,000 in additional revenue, according to Morgan.
A two-cent real estate tax increase will yield $379,000, the administrator
estimated.
"I have no problem splitting it," Supervisor Tom West,
vice chairman of the Finance Committee, said during the Thursday
night finance meeting.
"We will need personal property taxes when it comes to the
landfill (cost)."
Looming landfill costs and the loss of $4 million annually in
additional school funds due to composite index changes are among
major revenue challenges facing the county this decade.
Recommendations
Committee recommendations also would increase the General Fund
Operations by $200,000 for the following:
· A $12,000 allocation for employee compensation in the
offices of the Treasurer, Commissioner of the Revenue and Clerk
of the Circuit Court for a total $36,000.
· A $2,700 increase in the office expenses for the Drug
Prosecutor Jeb Terrien's office.
· A $10,000 restoration of current funding for the Southside
Community Services Board.
· A $151,300 funding of the Law Enforcement Officers Supplemental
(LEOs) retirement coverage for deputy sheriffs.
· An increase in the capital improvements fund for an additional
building inspector's vehicle of $20,000 and up to $72,000 to match
$288,000 in Virginia Department of Transportation TEA 21 grant
funding for the Halifax Downtown Revitalization project.
During the Thursday night Finance meeting, Dr. Jules Modlinski,
director of the Southside Community Services Board, sought level
funding from supervisors at $95,000 in the face of a proposed
cut.
Morgan had suggested $85,000 in funding in the original budget
presentation.
The SCSB director argued for flat funding, telling supervisors
the agency benefits the county in its services as well as location
here.
Morgan suggested his staff had received a salary increase last
year. However, Modlinski said that he personally had not received
an increase since 1989.
Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan spoke on behalf of raises for employees
in the offices of the Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue,
noting they had not received increased funding in several years.
It was noted that Dec. 1,2000 was the last general salary raise
increase.
Supervisor David Martin was an advocate for funding for LEOs for
deputies, as well as for an increase for Treasurer and Commissioner
of Revenue employees.
Supervisors also attending the Thursday committee meeting were
Ronnie Vaughan and David Martin.
Finance Committee members have also asked county staff to investigate
tax relief options for the following:
· For elderly and disabled on property taxes,
· For farmers on farm machinery and equipment,
· Use value assessment for farmers on farmland, timberland,
horticultural or open land.
The Finance Committee is also seeking preparation for an ordinance
for a Board of Equalization schedule and budget.
By Doug Ford
Kim Ford's two-out, two run double, followed by a run-scoring
double by Jamie Anderson punctuated a three-run rally in the fourth
inning, as the Comets varsity softball team edged GW 3-1 here
Friday.
The big three-run inning gave Comets pitcher Emily Pool all she
needed to out-duel GW ace Kristin Farr, as the Comets tied the
Eagles for first-place in the regular season Western Valley District
standings.
Halifax and GW will square off again today at 7 p.m. at Dan River
High School to determine both the regular season title and an
automatic berth in the Northwest Region tournament.
Comets coach Melanie Saunders was pleased with her team's comeback,
particularly after noting what happened in the teams' game in
Danville three weeks ago.
GW scored first in that game also, and Saunders said her team
never recovered emotionally, as GW handed Halifax a 7-0 loss.
"They didn't hang their heads in this game after falling
behind," said Saunders.
"The keys were stringing hits together and hitting with runners
in scoring position.
"And we got those runs with two outs," she added. "That's
what we've been trying to do all year."
Halifax threatened first, after Mashonda Dismuke singled to lead
off the bottom of the second.
Dismuke stole second base, but Farr fanned three consecutive batters
to end the inning.
GW broke through in the top of the third for a 1-0 lead, using
a two-out triple by Keisha Venable followed by Ashley Salmon's
double.
Pool got a flyout to end the threat, and retired the side in order
the top of the fourth to set up the Comets' rally.
Nelson doubled to lead off the inning, but a failed sacrifice
attempt and a flyout threatened to leave her stranded at second.
Kristi Myer singled and stole second to put runners at second
and third, before Ford smacked a double to left-center field,
giving the Comets a 2-1 lead.
Anderson followed with another double, scoring Ford for a 3-1
Comets lead, before a groundout ended the inning.
The Comets came up with a big defensive play in the fifth inning
to keep GW from cutting into the lead.
Jordan Meadows drew a walk to lead off the inning, and Candice
Campbell popped out to catcher Anderson for the first out.
Courtney Ferris hit into a fielder's choice, and with Venable
at the plate, tried to steal second.
The attempted pickoff throw dribbled into the outfield, and Ferris
tried for third base, but center fielder Ford picked up the ball
and threw a strike to Lindsey Hastings to nail the runner.
GW attempted to rally in the last two innings, but Comets defense
cut them short both times.
After a huge strikeout of Venable to start the sixth inning, Salmon
beat out an infield hit, and Farr hit a slow grounder to second.
Salmon was tagged for the second out, but a throw to first was
wide of the mark, with Farr advancing to second.
Kayla Bandy singled and went to second on a wild pitch before
Pool got a check-swing roller to first base for the third out.
Jordan Meadows tripled with one out in the top of the seventh,
but another big Pool strikeout and flyout ended the game.
Pool allowed one run on five hits, while striking out five and
walking only two batters.
"We kept our heads up, Emily pitched a heck of a game and
the defense came up big," said Saunders, noting in particular
Pool's strikeout of Venable, and Ford's throw to get the runner
at third.
"That throw may have been the turning point," she added.
And, hopefully a momentum builder as the Comets enter the district
tournament.
Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Viola Fears
Carr were held Sunday, May 18, at the Ellis Creek Baptist Church.
The Rev. W.D. Mills conducted the service.
Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Carr, of Coles Ferry Road in Nathalie, died Friday, May 16,
at her home.
She was 82.
Mrs. Carr was born in Halifax County on July 1, 1920 to the late
Joe Lee Fears and the late Virginia Viola Coates Fears.
She was married to the late Sam Carr, and was a member of Ellis
Creek Baptist Church.
Mrs. Carr is survived by two daughters, Betty C. Owen of Graham,
N.C., and Margie C. Rogers of Alton, one son, Joe Lee Carr of
Crystal Hill, one brother, John Fears of Brookneal, one sister,
Lillian Wright of Brookneal, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Sam Master
Carr and Paul Ray Carr.
For memorials, please consider the Triangle Volunteer Fire Department,
3060 Morton's Ferry Road, Nathalie, or the Patrick Henry Boys
Home, P.O. Box 1398, Brookneal, Va., 24528.
Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Fulp
Moore will be held Tuesday, May 20, at 11 a.m. at the Powell Funeral
Home Chapel.
The Rev. Larry Frakes will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Dan River Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Powell Funeral Home on
Monday, May 19, from 7:00 until 8:30.
Mrs. Moore died Saturday, May 17, at the Berry Hill Nursing Home.
She was 83.
Mrs. Moore was born in Halifax County on August 23, 1919 to the
late Robert Lee Fulp and the late Janie Howerton Fulp.
She was married to the late Henry Oscar Moore and was a member
of the Dan River Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Jim Moore of Cluster Springs, two daughters,
Jane Moore of Chesapeake, Va., and Patricia Elizabeth Moore of
Greenville, N.C., one sister, Katherine Barker of Eden, N.C.,
three grandchildren, Lynn Good of South Boston, Emily Moore of
Richmond and Chris Moore of Cluster Springs, and two great-grandchildren,
Michael and Brian Good, both of South Boston.
Mrs. Betty Ferrell Smith of 1074 Grubby
Road in Halifax, died Friday, May 16, at MCV Hospital in Richmond.
Mrs. Smith was 51 years of age at the time of her death.
She was born in Halifax County on January 14, 1952, and was the
daughter of Mrs. Alice White Ferrell and the late Mr. Lin Ferrell.
Mrs. Smith was married to Mr. Sammy Smith Sr., and was a member
of the St. Paul C.M.E. Church.
Mrs. Betty Ferrell Smith is survived by her husband, Mr. Sammy
Smith Sr.; one daughter, Mrs. Lisa Harris of South Boston; one
son, Mr. Sammy K. Smith Jr. of South Boston; two grandchildren;
her mother, Mrs. Alice White Ferrell of South Boston; four sisters,
Mrs. Nancy Guthrie and Mrs. Rosa Brooks, both of Halifax; and
Mrs. Dianne Fallen and Mrs. Cheryl Jones, both of South Boston;
three brothers, Mr. Eddie Ferrell and Mr. Larry Ferrell, both
of South Boston, and Mr. Ronnie Ferrell of Upper Marlboro, Md.;
one son-in-law, Mr. Howard Harris Jr.; six sisters-in-law, five
brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Ferrell Smith will be held Tuesday,
May 20, at 2 p.m., with services at the St. Paul C.M.E. Church
with the Rev. Billy Cherry officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the residence, 1074 Grubby
Road, Halifax, Va.
Funeral services for Christopher Brad Watts
will be held Tuesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove United
Methodist Church.
The Revs. Don Davidson and Jason Evans will officiate.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Brooks Funeral Home on Monday, May 19
between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. and at other times at the home of his
father, Harry Watts, at 404 Cedar Ridge Terrace in South Boston.
Mr. Watts died at his home on Evans Trail in the Alton community
on Friday, May 16.
He was 29.
Mr. Watts was born in Halifax County on October 6, 1973 to William
Harry Watts Jr. and Bonnie C. Metcalf.
Survivors include his father of South Boston, his mother of Mukilteo,
Wa., a step-mother, Bonnie B. Watts, of South Boston, three daughters,
Kimber Nicole Watts, Taylor Mae Watts and Cecilie Brooke Watts,
all of South Boston, the children's mother, Dana H. Bartholomew
and her daughter, Erica Danielle Holt, both of Alton, two brothers,
David Rodney Watts of Scottsburg and Keith Hamilton Watts of Alton,
one half-sister, Ashley Brooke Watts of South Boston, two step-brothers,
Eric Brandon Huss of South Boston and Galen LeGrand Huss of Colorado
Springs, Co., two half-brothers, McKenzie Metcalf and Jonathan
Richardson, both of Mukilteo, Wa., paternal grandmother, Dorothy
P. Watts of South Boston, a maternal grandfather, John Thomas
Collie Sr. of Alton and a maternal grandfather, Margaret T. Collie
of Alton.
He was preceded in death by a grandfather, William Harry Watts
Sr.
The family wishes that anyone wishing to give memorials please
consider their favorite charity.
Stanley Earnley Younger Jr., 86, of 621
Berry Hill Road, South Boston, died May 14 at Halifax Regional
Hospital.
Mr. Younger was born in Person County, NC on March 6, 1917, the
son of Stanley Earnley Younger and Eulalia Blanks Younger and
was married to Helen Fisher Younger. He was a member of County
Line Baptist Church and an Army Veteran of WWII.
Survivors include one son, Glenn Thomas Younger of Houston, Texas;
one brother, William Younger of Nathalie; two sisters, Margaret
Y. Guthrie of Spout Springs and Joyce Y. Taylor of Nathalie. He
was preceded in death by his wife and three brothers.
Graveside services for Mr. Younger were held May 17 at County
Line Baptist Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. with the Rev. John Campbell
officiating.